By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The Lagos State Police Command has restored the security details of Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, after they were withdrawn on Thursday morning.
This comes amid growing tensions within the Assembly, as political factions vie for control over the legislature.
On Thursday, it was reported by BlackBox Nigeria that the security escorts attached to the Speaker’s office and residence were unexpectedly withdrawn, sparking widespread speculation and concern.
The move came after Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who had been impeached as Speaker, had his security details restored and proceeded to storm the Assembly complex, declaring himself as the Speaker once again.
Obasa even presided over a plenary session attended by a select few lawmakers, as reported.
The confusion surrounding the withdrawal of Meranda’s security personnel and Obasa’s return to the Assembly fueled an already volatile political situation.
However, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, addressed the issue at a press briefing, clarifying that the withdrawal of security details was part of a broader ongoing audit of police personnel and firearms.
According to Jimoh, this audit is being carried out across police commands in various states, not just in Lagos.
The Commissioner confirmed that four security personnel assigned to Speaker Meranda had been reinstated after being temporarily withdrawn.
This restoration of security measures comes as a relief to Meranda and her supporters, who have been grappling with the instability surrounding the leadership crisis in the Assembly.
Jimoh emphasized that the withdrawal of the security details was not politically motivated, but rather a procedural measure in line with the ongoing audit.
He added that the audit process was necessary for the proper reallocation of resources and to ensure the effective use of security personnel across various assignments, including for Very Important Personalities (VIPs).
