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She Spent Less To Acquire Better Quality – Meranda’s Camp Clarifies Rift With Obasa Over ₦5 Billion SUV Purchase
The purchase of ₦5 billion worth of vehicles for 40 lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly has sparked controversy, escalating tensions between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and former Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
JomogNews understands that Meranda oversaw the purchase of 39 vehicles during Obasa’s brief removal as Speaker. However, before his ousting on January 13, 2025, Obasa had already approved ₦7 billion for the same purpose in December 2024. His removal, backed by 35 out of the 40 lawmakers, was based on allegations of highhandedness and financial mismanagement.
Meranda served as Speaker for 49 days until her resignation on March 3, following the intervention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership. She was reinstated as Deputy Speaker, while Obasa reclaimed his position.
Despite this resolution, tensions persist, with Obasa challenging his removal in court while also contesting the purchase of the vehicles. He argues that the acquisition, executed during his absence, deviated from his original plan to procure the vehicles from Dubai through his preferred bidder.
“He had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa,” an aide to the Speaker revealed to The PUNCH. Another source clarified that the difference lies in the procurement process: “In December, Obasa approved the purchase, but he intended to buy them from Dubai. Meranda, upon assuming office, opted for an open bidding process, sourcing them locally.”
A source close to Meranda defended her decision, stating that she saved the Assembly ₦2 billion by purchasing 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUVs and seven units of Toyota Landcruisers for ₦5 billion instead of the ₦7 billion allocated by Obasa.
“Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never withdrew money from the House’s account. She merely revised an existing procurement plan, leading to cost savings,” the source emphasized.
The source also noted that Obasa had originally approved the purchase of 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prado SUVs from Dubai for ₦7 billion. However, Meranda’s administration opted for a local procurement process, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
“Unlike Obasa, who planned to import the vehicles, all cars were locally sourced. It is noteworthy that Meranda did not approve a single vehicle for the Speaker’s office, despite holding the position at the time,” the source added.
Meanwhile, Obasa’s legal battle against Meranda and the Assembly continues, with his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), stating that the allegations of “highhandedness, fraudulent malpractices, and other misconduct” must be addressed.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has adjourned the hearing of Obasa’s suit to March 17, 2025, after initially scheduling it for March 10.
At Monday’s proceedings, Femi Falana (SAN), representing the House of Assembly, informed the court that Obasa’s legal team had served further affidavits on the same day.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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