Fouad Oki, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed that President Bola Tinubu attempted to intervene in the leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly during the Christmas holiday.
Oki’s comments came after the dramatic impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement, with Obasa’s former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, stepping into the role.
Appearing on a Channels TV programme on Monday, Oki explained that President Tinubu made significant efforts to mediate the escalating dispute, which had been simmering for some time.
The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) reportedly brought the issue to the president’s attention while he was in Lagos for the holidays.
Oki recounted that, before returning to Lagos, the matter had been brewing, and the GAC advised Tinubu to step in.
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The president, in his role as party leader and father figure, held a meeting where he tried to address the concerns raised by party elders.
However, according to Oki, Obasa’s stubbornness and refusal to heed the counsel of the party’s senior figures ultimately led to his removal.
“The president saw firsthand the obstinacy of Obasa, and that was the tipping point,” Oki remarked, adding that the impeachment decision was not made lightly but was the result of ongoing tensions and Obasa’s disregard for the advice of party elders.
The political drama unfolded as the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, voted to impeach Obasa after a series of allegations, with the leadership change now complete under Meranda’s appointment.
Oki’s insights shed light on the behind-the-scenes efforts by Tinubu to resolve the crisis within his party’s ranks.