Former Lagos governorship candidate Funso Doherty has strongly criticized the recent leadership turmoil in the Lagos State House of Assembly, condemning the manner in which lawmakers handled the crisis as a “betrayal” of the people’s trust.
In a statement issued on Monday, March 3, Doherty expressed his dismay over the intervention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, which resulted in the resignation of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker and the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa.
“The recent dramatic reversal of that decision under pressure from the APC leadership will not go unnoticed. It stands as a betrayal of the trust reposed in you by the electorate and a submission to vested interests over the democratic will of the people,” he wrote.
Addressing Meranda directly, Doherty voiced disappointment over her decision to step down, despite securing overwhelming support from fellow lawmakers when she was first elected Speaker.
“Your mandate was clear. Your peers chose you, by a margin well beyond the constitutional requirement, to lead as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This was not just about a political appointment; it was a defining moment of historical significance and a test of democratic integrity and representation,” he stated.
He urged her to have stood her ground against political pressure, emphasizing, “For the sake of democracy, for the people of Lagos, and for women everywhere, you should have stood firm. Lagosians stood with you. Sadly, painfully, and regrettably, you chose to resign.”
Doherty also directed sharp criticism at the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body in the Lagos APC, accusing it of subverting democracy by interfering in the decisions of elected lawmakers.
“You insisted on opposing the democratic will of the people by opposing the decisions of their elected representatives, and there will be consequences,” he warned.
He further called on Lagosians to remain vigilant and actively participate in governance and elections to prevent undue political interference.
“We must remain vigilant and intentional in electing strong leaders who will truly serve our collective interests in good faith and not operate as agents of others,” he stated.
Doherty concluded by urging the public to learn from this crisis and take steps to prevent similar political maneuvers in the future.
“This crisis may pass, but it must not be in vain. Let us take its lessons to heart and ensure we do not repeat its mistakes,” he said.
