Speaker Meranda has appointed principal officers and pledged to work with Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Judiciary.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has pledged to work with other arms of government in the state to achieve a greater Lagos.
This Nigeria news platform understands that Meranda, who took her first duty as Speaker on Friday, appointed new principal officers that would join in championing the affairs of the House.
ALSO: Governor Oborevwori Speaks On Dumping PDP Amid Romance With Tinubu
Temitope Adedeji, Ifako/Ijaye 1, was announced as the Majority Leader of the House while Richard Kasunmu representing Ikeja 2, was made the Deputy Majority Leader. David Setonji is the Chief Whip while Ganiyu Sanni, representing Kosofe Constituency 1, is the Deputy Chief Whip.
The Speaker also announced the Selection Committee members including the Deputy Speaker, Fatai Mojeed, representing Ibeju Lekki Constituency 1, Majority Leader, Temitope Adedeji, Chief Whip, David Setonji, Mr Gbolahan Yishawu representing Eti-Osa Constituency 2, while Acting Clerk, Mr. Taiwo Ottun is to serve as Secretary of the Committee.
The Speaker will chair the Selection Committee.
In her address, Meranda appreciated her colleagues for the confidence reposed on her to serve as the Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
Her words: “I am indeed very grateful for the confidence you have in me and I pledge to work tirelessly to uphold the virtue of transparency and good governance that the House stands for.
“Today again, we are reminded of the shared responsibilities that rest on our shoulders as representatives of our good people in Lagos State.
“We are elected to give voice to their fears, aspirations and concerns. We are the guardians of this collective trust and we must work to justify the trust they have placed in us.
“As we begin this new chapter in the history of our Assembly, I want to assure you that our administration will focus on working together for a better Lagos. We will work harmoniously with other arms of government to ensure seamless delivery of dividend of democracy to Lagosians who are our core focus.
“Therefore, we will work to ensure that irrespective of gender, ethnicity or religion, every Lagos resident is proud to say, I am a Lagosian.
“The synergy between us and other arms of government is crucial in the regard for good governance and democratic development.
“To achieve this, we must commit to maintaining an open line of communication with the Executives led by Mr. Governor (Babajide Sanwo-Olu) in fostering a spirit of cooperation in executing mutual respect in our relationship with one another. By doing so, we stand and must ensure that our vision aligns with that of the Executives for a better State.
“We will prioritise leaving the past behind and forging ahead. We will not dwell on the past controversy or disagreement instead, we will focus on the great and pressing task ahead which is delivering better services to the people of Lagos.
“We will strive to create a more inclusive and appropriate democracy where every citizen feels valued, respected and empowered.
“We have a lot to do to achieve this vision. There is no stigmatization among us. We are one and that is where we will derive our strength to take beautiful steps.
“We are to focus on several key areas to strengthen legislative independence. Our top priority is ensuring that our vision remains robust and success-driven.
“We will promote transparency, accountability in governance, ensuring that our actions are guided by the principles of 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 demonstrating the values of integrity, transparency and accountability as expected of others.
“As Speaker, I commit to prioritizing the needs of our constituents through you, we will work to ensure that united voices are heard, concerns are addressed and our welfare is protected.
“Our goal is to create a more inclusive, and participatory democracy where citizens are actively engaged in decision-making processes that impact their lives.
“Be rest assured that we are all going to work together to achieve our lofty and God’s vision for Lagos state.
“I am committed to listening to ideas, responding to concerns and working collaboratively with everyone to address the challenges that we are all facing. Together, let us work towards a brighter future in Lagos state. A future that is built on the principles of justice, equality and opportunities for all. We believe that there is a lot of hope for a better society. We will achieve these together.”
Earlier, the House through the Chief Whip, Setonji, condoled with the people of Badagry on the demise of Pa Sunny Ajose who was a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC) and party leaders 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, 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 people of Badagry.
The House thereafter adjourned plenary to January 21, 2025, by noon.
