The procedure that resulted in the impeachment of Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, the former speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, caused several members of the Governance Advisory Council, or GAC, the highest advisory body in Lagos State, to clash yesterday. Divergent opinions over the troubled former speaker were voiced by the GAC members, including Senator Musliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of Defense (State), and Senator Anthony Adefuye.

Obanikoro disputed Adefuye’s claim that Obasa had been unlawfully removed, claiming that his remarks were “careless.” But according to Mr. Mutiu Are, the secretary of the GAC, the Assembly’s impending issue would be settled amicably. This occurred as the Lagos Lovers demanded yesterday that Obasa be arrested for utilizing the Speaker’s official residence.

Obanikoro and Adefuye disagreed about Obasa’s backing. However, Senator Adefuye’s statement for Obasa was criticized by Senator Obanikoro. In a recent interview, GAC member Adefuye stated that he did not agree with Obasa’s decision to dismiss him.

The APC chairman stated, “I agree with him that he was unjustly removed and that the method was flawed.” In response to Adefuye’s interview, Obanikoro remarked that the APC leader was irresponsible for saying such, and that hierarchy must be respected in any organization. The former Minister said: “The comment of Senator Adefuye on the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, is very regrettable, juvenile and meaningless.

“As leaders, we should not have made Senator Adefuye’s remark. If there are significant concerns of this kind, it is disrespectful to rush into a press release or personal statement about them.””Moreo our leader, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, waded in on the matter, so I believe nobody should come out individually to express an opinion based on privileged status.”

Since GAC as a whole has not made any announcement on the subject matter, it is reckless for any member of that privileged body to go public and make comments on an issue that sensitive.