A former two-term lawmaker at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Jude Idimogu, has congratulated Mojisola Meranda on her emergence as the first female Speaker of the state assembly.

Mr Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II in the assembly between 2015 and 2023, urged the new speaker to prioritise unity among members of the House.

Speaking during an interview on Thursday in Lagos, Mr Idimogu said that the assembly must continue to work to fulfil the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state.

The lawmaker, who is also deputy apex leader, Ndigbo in Lagos State APC, described Mrs Meranda’s appointment as a round peg in a round hole.

He said, “As Lagos celebrates the first female speaker, it is our prayer that God will furnish our new speaker with more wisdom and understanding to pilot the affairs in the House. The Lagos Assembly must soar higher and rise far above the common standard of excellence under Meranda’s leadership. It is our desire that 40 lawmakers in the assembly will come together to provide leadership to steer the ship of the state to enviable heights. In unity, the House can deliver on its mandate. Lagos lawmakers must represent the people of the state well and prioritise their welfare above every other thing.’’

The former lawmaker urged the new Speaker to carry other 39 lawmakers along in all dealings and activities.

Recall that the erstwhile Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa (APC-Agege1), a sixth-term lawmaker, serving his third term as speaker, was on Monday removed by the lawmakers.

Thirty-two out of the 40 lawmakers, at an emergency plenary, impeached Obasa via voice votes over alleged gross misconduct.

The assembly subsequently elected and swore-in Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda (APC-Apapa I) to replace Mr Obasa while Fatai Adebola (APC- Ibeji-Lekki I) was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

The House also suspended the assembly Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, indefinitely during the plenary and dissolved principal positions and standing committees.

(NAN)