By Olanrewaju Adesanya
Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa has decried the fallout from the party’s primary in the Lagos State House of Assembly, as one which denies it the chance to build on past success stories.
Speaking at the plenary session on Monday, held after a long time of recess, Obasa note that the outcome of the primary especially that of the state legislature leaves the 9th Assembly with a depleted camp.
Obasa said that: “The outcome is part of the reference that does not give this house spacious opportunity, to continue to build on what we have achieved.
“I do not see it as a loss to our members but it is a great loss to this house, to the state and democracy because the parliament is the mouth piece of the people and building reputation, deep and solid democracy the parliament has to be supported.
“The parliament has to be given that opportunity to expand and become stronger than what it is, instead of diminishing institution.
According to Obasa, though there is every possibility for the newcomers to catch up overtime, it will pose grave consequences on the status of the house.
“For those who coming in they may be able to fill the gap, but for how long? Within that period what will be the status of the house?
“It is a great concern to me and I’m sure to those who believe in the effectiveness of the parliament, that having almost half of the members going, is not going be a very good outcome for the parliament from the next Assembly.”
He however tasks the lawmakers whom are unlucky to hold firm the discharge of the responsibility and duties for which they were elected, adding that not until June 2023 they are still a full fledge Honourable members of the Assembly.
“For those who are lucky enough amongst us to clinch the ticket to represent the party as a candidate, I congratulate you.
“To some of us who were not lucky, I don’t know if I should say I congratulate or I sympathise.
“ I don’t know which one to say but whatever it is I just want to say that the election has come and gone, the outcome of which many of us were not satisfied but not withstanding that is democracy.
“Somebody have to emerge at the end of the day, for the unlucky ones we still have a long way to go, you still have almost a year to continue to represent and serve your people, as well see to the duties being given to you when you were sworn in as members of this house.
“So that should be our primary assignment and focus now, to ensure that we discharge our duties for us to further convince our constituents that we are representing them.
“I urge you to continue to discharge you duties and responsibilities, there is always another day. Not until June 2023 you are still members of this Assembly,” Obasa said.
It would be recalled that late last month the All Progressives Congress APC primaries to elect the flag bearers of the party were held across the forty constituencies in Lagos, with barely half of the lawmakers successfully staging a comeback while others were not too lucky.