By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

A group, Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights, CHSR has thrown weight behind the newly appointed Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, LAHA, Mojisola Meranda.

Speaking in a paper titled: “A call to Protect Democracy and Demand Unfettered Legislative Process in Affirmation of Constitutional Rights and Privileges of Members of the LAHA”, President, CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, said Democracy must not be trampled or surrendered.

The group demanded that the speaker must be allowed to exercise unfettered freedom in conducting legislative business and as well be allowed to preside over the business of the house without intimidation or harassment.

Recall that there has been a lingering unease at the State House of Assembly following the removal of the immediate past Speaker, Mudasiru Obasa and the emergence of the new Speaker, Meranda.

Omotehinse said: “We remain convinced that democracy can only succeed when collective interest of the overwhelming majority is not subsumed under the selfish agenda of individuals or groups of individuals seeking to be the lord of the manor in feudalistic conclave.

“We are indeed glad that LAHA is fully back to legislative business after more than 3 weeks of unnecessary apprehension. We urge Meranda not to be distracted by detractors and selfish interlopers undermining democracy by seeking to upturn popular legislative decisions that became expedient in the desire to move the legislative assembly forward.

“Being the first woman to be chosen as speaker of LAHA in over five decades of the existence of the state, we strongly believe that her choice is a good omen that would deepen inclusivity, transparency and democratic freedom in Lagos State.

“We call on members of the house to remain united behind the new speaker who must reciprocate the confidence repose in her with diligence and commitment to legislative excellence for which LAHA is reputed.

“We equally wish to warn those who are still unpersuaded that members of LAHA should be allowed to exercise their democratic freedom, to desist from plotting against genuine democracy which the recent event in the assembly perfectly signifies.

“Attempt to foist Obasa as a perpetual and untouchable speaker of LAHA is a huge disservice to democracy and most unwarranted assault on the collective integrity of Lagosians and the generality of the electorate”, he stated.