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Update : Meranda Saves Lagos Assembly ₦2b by Procuring 32Toyota prado and 7 Land Cruisers for ₦5b, Reducing Obasa’s Initial ₦7b Budget, Says sources
Controversy has trailed the purchase of N5BN vehicles for 40 lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly, deepening the feud between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and erstwhile Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
Our reporters learnt that Meranda purportedly led the purchase of about 39 vehicles for the lawmakers during the period Obasa was removed as Speaker.
However, it was further gathered that Obasa had in December 2024 approved N7bn for the same purpose with plans in motion before he was ousted on January 13, 2025, by about 35 of the 40 lawmakers at the House over allegations of highhandedness, and financial misappropriation among others.
Meranda, who was then made the Speaker by the lawmakers, presided over a boiling House for 49 days until March 3 when she tendered her resignation following the intervention of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress.
Obasa was reelected as Speaker and Meranda returned to her initial position of Deputy Speaker.
However, the crisis does not seem to go away as Meranda and the Assembly still face legal battles from Obasa in the state High Court as the Speaker challenges the basis for his removal.
His contention in court is still ongoing despite the political intervention of party stakeholders who resolved the leadership crisis.
Amid the legal battle is also the contention between the duo over the purchase of the vehicles with money withdrawn from the Assembly’s account while Obasa was away.
Sources privy to the development said Obasa is contending the purchase of the vehicles without his authorisation, as the Speaker had his plan of purchasing the vehicles from Dubai from his bidder of interest.
“He had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa,” an aide to Obasa, who asked not to be named for not being authorised to comment yet, said on Tuesday.
“In December, Obasa approved the purchase of those vehicles. But for him, the vehicles were to be bought from Dubai but when Meranda took over, she made it an open bidding. They weren’t bought in Dubai anymore. That is just the difference. So it’s not as if they stole money as it’s been propagated,” another source in the Assembly told our correspondent on condition of anonymity on Tuesday.
“The purchase or execution was only done (under Meranda). Obasa already approved it. There is a difference between between approval and execution,” the source added.
When contacted on Tuesday, Meranda’s spokesperson, Victor Ganzallo, said an official statement would be issued.
“We will put out an official statement,” he said.
However, a source close to Meranda who noted that he had not got official authorisation to speak, stated that the first female Speaker only saved N2bn by purchasing 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of Toyota Landcruiser 2025 at the sum of N5b, rather than the N7bn budgeted by Obasa.
“Let it be known that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never made any withdrawal from the account of LAHA; rather, she only made a downward review of an existing procurement approval by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. In doing that, she saved the assembly the sum of N2 billion,” he stated.
He said Obasa had done an approval for the purchase of 35 units of Toyota Fortuner SUV and 10 units of Toyota Prado from Dubai at N7bn.
“As a matter of fact, he made the approval on December 23, 2024. Upon his removal, Rt.Hon. Mojisola Meranda reviewed the approval and called for a bidding locally and approved the sum of N5b for 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of Toyota Landcruiser 2025 at the sum of N5b, saving N2b for the House.
“Unlike Obasa who had planned to import the vehicles from Dubai, all the cars were locally supplied. It is imperative to note that no money was withdrawn by Rt.Hon. Meranda, she only reviewed an existing approval.
“Interestingly, Hon. Meranda spent far less money to acquire better quality cars and didn’t even approve a single one for the office of the Speaker that she occupied,” he added.
Meanwhile, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), has spoken on why Obasa is still in a legal battle against Meranda and the Assembly despite his client’s reelection as Speaker.
He said the allegations Obasa by the lawmakers were heavy and needed to be trashed.
“Because there are some issues that are still pending within the context of notice of allegation. The case of allegation contains reasons for the impeachment which include highhandedness, fraudulent malpractices and the rest and we feel that those issues must be trashed out,” he told The PUNCH in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja had on Monday adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by Obasa to March 17, 2025.
The court had previously scheduled the hearing for March 10, 2025, but at Monday’s proceedings, counsel for the House of Assembly, Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), had served further affidavits on the same day
How Meranda save lSHA 2 billion from 7 billions wish Obasa approved for purchases vehicle for members
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Morning Recap: Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliances, Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr, other top stories
The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The decision comes after extraordinary scenes in Rabat where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.
In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the FRMF was “declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” This landmark ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown, rewarding the hosts for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.
The roots of the controversy lie in a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the box. While the referee initially waved play away, a VAR review resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts. This sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to return to the dressing room in a protest that lasted several minutes.
The CAF Appeal Board found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.” By leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on the regulations, leading to the administrative 3-0 defeat. The ruling sets aside the previous CAF Disciplinary Board decision and confirms that the protest lodged by Morocco has been fully upheld
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