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How Mojisola Meranda Allegedly withdrew N5bn from LSHA account days after becoming speaker

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Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is embroiled in a fresh dispute with his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, for allegedly authorising the withdrawal of N5 billion from the assembly’s account just days after taking office.

The move came in the wake of her brief stint as speaker following a short-lived impeachment in January.

According to sources familiar with the unfolding drama, the fresh conflict between Obasa and Meranda centers around her approval to disburse the N5 billion for the purchase of 40 units of 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, one for each of the 40 lawmakers.

This newspaper gathered that the purchase was made just days after Meranda was sworn in as Lagos State’s first female speaker on January 13.

“Another serious crisis is brewing in the Lagos Assembly,” a source revealed.

“Mr. Obasa is furious that Meranda didn’t even wait for weeks before withdrawing N5 billion to buy 40 Land Cruisers for lawmakers after replacing him as speaker.”

Obasa, who had plans for the same vehicle purchase before his impeachment, was re-elected as speaker on March 3 following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

Upon his return, Obasa immediately began pressuring Meranda to return the N5 billion, claiming that she had no authority to make such a large disbursement from the assembly’s account.

Meranda’s tenure as speaker lasted just 49 days before she was forced to resign, following intense pressure from President Tinubu and the Lagos APC leadership to restore Obasa to his position.

Sources revealed that before his removal, Obasa had already planned to disburse N7 billion to purchase 45 units of Toyota Fortuner SUVs, intending to give one to each of the 40 members of the Lagos House of Assembly, one for the House clerk, and the remaining vehicles for himself. However, Meranda’s approval of the N5 billion purchase has now disrupted these plans.

“As soon as Obasa was reinstated as speaker, he began putting pressure on Meranda to return the N5 billion used to purchase the Land Cruisers,” one source explained.

“Obasa was about to finalize plans to disburse N7 billion for 45 Toyota Fortuner SUVs, but Meranda’s actions have thrown those plans into disarray.”

In response, Obasa has demanded that Meranda return the 40 vehicles already purchased, a request that has sparked resistance from lawmakers.

Many of the lawmakers, who had opposed Obasa’s return to power, are refusing to hand back the new Land Cruisers in exchange for the older Toyota Fortuner models.

“Obasa is not backing down,” a source said. “He’s insisting that Meranda and the other lawmakers immediately return the Land Cruisers, but they are refusing. They don’t want to give up the latest model of Land Cruisers for the older 2020 Fortuner vehicles, and this is creating more tension in the assembly.”

The dispute continues to escalate, as the standoff between Obasa and Meranda threatens to deepen divisions within the Lagos State House of Assembly.

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Interview

Tingo AI: The First AI-Driven Innovation Hub in Africa

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6 days ago

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March 6, 2025

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Campus Comprehensive College, Lagos Students Dive into the World of AI and Robotics at Tingo AI’s Educational Tour

 

 

Tingo AI, Africa’s leading artificial intelligence research and innovation center, hosted an interactive and inspiring educational tour for students from [SCHOOL NAME]. The visit was designed to introduce students to the real-world applications of AI, robotics, and automation, providing them with an early glimpse into the future of technology.

 

The students participated in hands-on activities and discussions that explored AI’s impact on education, business, entertainment, and public services. The engaging session included:

 

✅ AI for Everyday Life: Students saw live demonstrations of how AI enhances industries like healthcare, finance, and creative arts.

✅ Robotics Challenge: Teams designed and programmed robots to complete problem-solving tasks, sparking their creativity.

✅ AI Ethics & Innovation Discussion: Experts engaged students in thought-provoking conversations about the future of AI and ethical technology use.

✅ Career Pathway Insights: Students learned about exciting AI-related career opportunities and the skills required for success in the digital economy.

 

Tingo AI’s visionary founder, Dozy Mmobuosi, also shared his enthusiasm about empowering young minds with AI knowledge, stating:

“Exposing students to AI early is critical for Africa’s technological future. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s innovators, and experiences like this help shape a new generation of tech leaders.”

 

The visit reinforced Tingo AI’s commitment to bridging the gap between AI education and practical application, ensuring that students across Nigeria have access to cutting-edge knowledge and inspiration.

 

Stay connected with us @tingoai_ for more groundbreaking innovations and educational experiences.

 

#TingoAI #AIinAfrica #FutureLeaders #ArtificialIntelligence #TechRevolution #DozyMmobuosi #NextGenTech #InnovateAfrica #AIForEducation

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Interview

Senate advises Natasha to obey rules as she refuses to stand up for Akpabio’s entrance

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6 days ago

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March 6, 2025

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The Senate on Thursday advised Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect and obey the rules and orders of the legislative institution.

Rising on Order 55(1), the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno pointed out that “it is the Rules and Order of the Senate that when the Senate President is being ushered into the chamber by the Sergeant-at-arms, all senators must stand up”.

The chief whip regretted that Natasha disrespected the Rules and Order of the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday by refusing to stand up like other senators, as required, when Akpabio entered the chamber.

He called on the female lawmaker to abide by the rules, irrespective of any circumstances, noting that the institution must be protected at all costs.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio sustained the order and urged all senators to be guided.

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Interview

Sexual Harassment’: Senator Natasha submits petition against Akpabio to senate

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1 week ago

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March 5, 2025

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging sexual harassment.

 

The petition was presented on the floor of the Senate as plenary resumed.

 

Citing Order 40 of the Senate rules, Akpoti-Uduaghan referenced comments she had previously made on Arise TV regarding the alleged harassment. She stated that she was now formally submitting the matter as a petition before the legislative body.

 

 

In response, Akpabio allowed her to proceed with the submission.

 

“Distinguished colleagues, this petition is hereby referred to the Committee on Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Public Petitions, which should report back to the Senate as soon as practicable,” Akpabio announced.

 

Objections Raised Over Petition

Shortly after the petition was submitted, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno raised an objection, arguing that the Senate could not deliberate on the matter because it was already in court. Citing Order 40, Rule 7, Monguno insisted that the Senate must refrain from discussing cases under judicial consideration.

 

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, disputed his claim. This matter is not in court,” she asserted.

 

“The court case in question is a defamation suit against the Senate President’s special assistant on social media, Patrick Mfon, who falsely accused me of dressing indecently in the Senate.”

 

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also opposed the petition, maintaining that it was inadmissible.

 

 

“We cannot relax our rules,” Bamidele argued. “This petition cannot stand. It is in court. It is defective, there is no way we can accept it.”

 

 

A brief commotion followed, prompting the Senate to move into a closed session.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan Walks Out

Following the tense exchange, the Senate resumed its scheduled business. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan staged a walkout in protest.

 

 

This latest development follows a series of clashes between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. On February 20, they had a dispute over seating arrangements, leading to her referral to the Senate’s disciplinary panel. Days later, on February 25, she filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio.

 

 

 

 

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