Naija247news gathered that a coalition of women’s rights organizations has called for the immediate recognition of Hon. Meranda as the duly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, warning against treating her as a mere appointee. The group, under the umbrella of the Nigerian Women’s Coalition for Equity (NWCE), has raised concerns over what it describes as “systemic attempts to undermine her authority and legitimacy.”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the controversy stems from recent political maneuvers within the Lagos State Assembly, where some lawmakers have allegedly questioned Meranda’s election process. However, the NWCE has dismissed these claims, stating that her election followed due process and was conducted transparently. “Meranda’s leadership is not a gift; it is a mandate given by her colleagues and the people she represents,” said Dr. Amina Bello, spokesperson for the coalition.
Naija247news understands that the women’s group has accused certain political actors of leveraging gender bias to delegitimize Meranda’s position. “It is disheartening to see that in 2023, women in leadership are still subjected to undue scrutiny and disrespect,” Bello added. The coalition has urged stakeholders to respect the independence of the legislative arm and allow Meranda to discharge her duties without interference.
Naija247news reports that the situation has sparked a broader conversation about gender equality in Nigerian politics. Analysts suggest that Meranda’s case is a litmus test for the nation’s commitment to empowering women in leadership roles. “If we cannot respect a woman elected by her peers, what does that say about our readiness to embrace gender parity?” asked political analyst Tunde Olawale.
In response to the growing tension, Meranda has maintained a calm demeanor, urging her colleagues to focus on legislative priorities. “My mandate is to serve the people of Lagos, and I remain committed to that,” she stated during a recent plenary session. Naija247news gathered that her supporters within the assembly have rallied behind her, calling for unity and an end to the internal discord.
The NWCE has vowed to escalate its advocacy if Meranda’s position continues to be undermined. “We will not stand by and watch as a duly elected leader is treated as an appointee,” Bello warned. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on Lagos, with many hoping for a resolution that upholds democratic principles and gender equity.
