Francesca Odimgbe
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday received the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, and new Principal Officers of the House.
The Speaker and the Principal Officers were received by Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during a courtesy visit, shortly before the commencement of the weekly State Executive Council meeting at Lagos House, Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu led the Speaker and her delegation to the Council Chamber, where the Speaker and State Executive Council members pledged to continue a harmonious work relationship between the two arms of government in Lagos State.
The Principal Officers that accompanied the Speaker were Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojeed Fatai (Ibeju-Lekki I); Majority Leader, Hon. Temitope Adedeji (Ifako Ijaiye 1); Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja II); Chief Whip, Hon. David Setonji (Badagry II) and Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Sanni Babatunde (Kosofe I).
The Governor, congratulated Meranda on her election as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
He said the emergence of 44-year-old Meranda as the first female Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly is well-deserving and commendable.
It would be recalled that Meranda, the immediate past Deputy Speaker, emerged as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly last week Monday, following the impeachment of his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, after the courtesy visit, promised a continuous and robust relationship between the executive and legislature for the growth and development of Lagos State.
The Governor promised to work with Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, who currently represents Apapa 1 State Constituency and other Assembly members in upholding the principle of separation of powers, which remains the bedrock of democracy.
He also sought continuous support from the legislative arm of government for speedy consideration and passage of bills that would see to the implementation of the numerous programmes of his administration in delivering the dividends of democracy to millions of Lagos residents.
He advised the new Speaker to be a team player and see her elevation from the Deputy Speaker to Speaker as an avenue to strengthen the cordial relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government in the interest of the public.
The Governor commended members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for their support for his administration, promising that his administration would not betray the trust reposed in it.