A Political Storm Brewing in Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly is in turmoil, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar isn’t holding back. In a scathing statement, Atiku has called out President Bola Tinubu for his silence on the ongoing crisis, accusing him of tacitly supporting anti-democratic maneuvers. The drama revolves around the controversial removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the alleged use of state-backed security forces to reverse the decision. Here’s the full story.
The Crisis Unfolds: Obasa’s Defiant Return
The Lagos Assembly has been thrown into chaos following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker. Despite being ousted by a majority of lawmakers, Obasa stormed the Assembly complex, insisting he was still the rightful Speaker. This brazen move has sparked outrage and raised questions about the rule of law and due process in Lagos politics.
Atiku’s Critique: Tinubu’s Silence Speaks Volumes
Atiku Abubakar didn’t mince words in his criticism of President Tinubu. In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused Tinubu of remaining conspicuously silent despite his undeniable influence over Lagos politics.
“His refusal to address the crisis suggests a tacit endorsement of the anti-democratic maneuvers aimed at imposing his preferred candidate against the overwhelming will of Assembly members,” Atiku stated.
He further argued that Tinubu’s silence undermines democratic principles and raises concerns about his commitment to fairness and justice.
A Battle of Values: Omoluabi vs. Area Boy Politics
Atiku didn’t stop there. He accused Tinubu of turning Lagos politics into a clash between two opposing ideologies: the noble values of Omoluabi (integrity, fairness, and public service) and the crude, coercive tactics of Area Boy politics.
“Lagos politics should be a reflection of the people’s will, not a playground for strong-arm tactics and backdoor deals,” Atiku emphasized.
A Call to Action: Defend Democracy
Atiku urged President Tinubu to publicly denounce any attempts to undermine democracy in Lagos and ensure that due process is followed. He also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending the sanctity of democratic institutions.
“Nigeria’s democracy was hard-fought and must not be undermined by those who should be its foremost guardians,” he declared.
The Bigger Picture: A Test of Leadership
This crisis isn’t just about Lagos; it’s a test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience. Atiku’s critique highlights the growing concern over the erosion of democratic values and the need for leaders to prioritize the rule of law over personal or political interests.
