The Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned as “unparliamentary” the comments by the impeached speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, that he remains the House’s principal officer.

In a statement on Saturday, Stephen Ogundipe, the chairman of the House Committee on Information, defended the assembly’s decision on the ex-speaker, stating that nothing has changed.

“As elected representatives of the people of Lagos, we owe them good governance and harmonious relationship with other arms of government,” said Mr Ogundipe.

He added, “The position of the House remains the same, and nothing has changed. The position being canvassed by former speaker, Rt Hon Obasa, is uncalled for and unparliamentary.”

Mr Obasa addressed his supporters at a welcome reception in Ikeja on Saturday, faulting his impeachment and insisting the lawmakers’ decision did not follow due process.

“I strongly believe I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way, and I will not contest it,” the ex-speaker noted.

However, responding on behalf of the lawmakers, Mr Ogundipe clarified that over two-thirds of the members supported the new speaker.

“It is imperative to clarify that over 2/3 of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are solidly united behind the new speaker, Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. Therefore, we stood by the decision taken on the 13th of January, where Rt Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa was impeached, and we shall defend our positions to the latter,” Mr Ogundipe said.

Mr Ogundipe emphasised that the majority of lawmakers who elected Mr Obasa as speaker had the “inalienable” right to impeach him.

“I, therefore, appeal to the former speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony as being followed by others, as the current intransigent posture will heat up the polity and not augur well. Any attempt to heat up the polity will be resisted by the majority of distinguished members who unanimously elected Rt Hon Meranda,” Mr Ogundipe added.

Mr Obasa’s impeachment as Lagos speaker happened three days after Peoples Gazette, on January 10, reported that he spent N43.5 billion on extra luxury backup vehicles for 40 members.