The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has committed to engage with other branches of government to realize the vision of a “Greater Lagos.”
Meranda, who presided over her maiden session as Speaker on Friday, announced the nomination of new chief officers to lead the activities of the House.
Temitope Adedeji, who represents Ifako/Ijaye Constituency 1, was named the Majority Leader by the Lagos Speaker, and Richard Kasunmu, who represents Ikeja Constituency 2, was named the Deputy Majority Leader. Ganiyu Sanni, who represented Kosofe Constituency 1, served as Deputy Chief Whip, while David Setonji took over as Chief Whip.
In addition, the Speaker revealed the makeup of the Selection Committee, which she will lead. Chief Whip David Setonji, Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency 2), Majority Leader Temitope Adedeji, and Deputy Speaker Fatai Mojeed (Ibeju Lekki Constituency 1) are among the members.
Taiwo Ottun, an acting clerk, will be the committee’s secretary.
During her speech, Meranda thanked her colleagues for giving her the responsibility of leading the 10th Assembly and promised to work hard for the state.
She said, “I sincerely appreciate your trust in me, and I promise to do everything in my power to preserve the values of openness and responsible leadership that this House represents.
As representatives of the decent people of Lagos State, we are reminded today of our shared obligations. We were chosen to represent their needs, wants, and worries. As the custodians of this communal trust, it is our responsibility to earn their confidence.
“I want to reassure you that our administration will prioritize cooperating for a better Lagos as we embark on this new chapter in our Assembly’s history. Lagosians are our primary concern, and we will collaborate with other branches of government to guarantee the smooth delivery of democracy’s benefits to them.
Therefore, we shall strive to make sure that every Lagosian may proudly declare, ‘I am a Lagosian,’ regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.
“Good governance and the advancement of democracy depend on our cooperation with other branches of government. In order to accomplish this, we must make a commitment to upholding an open channel of communication with the Executive, which is headed by Mr. Governor (Babajide Sanwo-Olu), and cultivating a climate of respect and collaboration. By doing this, we demonstrate our unity and make sure that our vision for a better state is in line with the Executive’s.
“We will make moving on and letting go of the past our top priorities. We won’t linger on old disputes or conflicts. We will instead concentrate on the important and urgent task at hand, which is providing Lagos residents with improved services.
“We will work to build a more suitable and inclusive democracy where each and every person feels appreciated, respected, and in control.
“To realize this vision, we have a lot of work ahead of us. There is no difference between us. Our strength will come from our unity, which will enable us to take risks.
In order to improve legislative independence, we will concentrate on a few crucial areas. Making sure that our vision is strong and success-driven is our first goal.
“We will promote transparency and accountability in governance, ensuring that our actions are guided by integrity, fairness, and justice.
“As we begin this new chapter, let us be reminded that we are not just lawmakers, but also leaders. We must lead by example, displaying the qualities of integrity, transparency, and accountability, as demanded of others.
“As Speaker, I commit to prioritising the needs of our constituents. Through you, we will ensure that united voices are heard, issues are addressed, and our welfare is protected.
Our objective is to establish a more inclusive, participatory democracy in which people actively participate in the choices that affect their daily lives.
“Rest assured, we will all work together to achieve the vision for Lagos State, as guided by God.
“I am committed to listening to ideas, responding to concerns, and working collaboratively with everyone to address the challenges we face. Together, let us work towards a brighter future for Lagos State – a future built on the principles of justice, equality, and opportunity for all. We believe in the hope for a better society, and we will achieve this together.”
Earlier, the House, through the Chief Whip, Setonji, condoled with the people of Badagry on the demise of Pa Sunny Ajose, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee and a party leader in Badagry.
Some members of the House, including Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, and Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa 2, among others, commiserated with the people of Badagry.
According to them, “Pa Ajose was an accomplished politician and civil servant who had worked tirelessly to unite the people of Badagry and, by extension, his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
The Speaker described the late politician as a rare gem. She then instructed the Acting Clerk to write a condolence letter to the family and the people of Badagry.
The House thereafter adjourned plenary to January 21, 2025, at noon.
