By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

The immediate past Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, says allegations of a sudden discovery of a ?cache of arms and ammunition? in his office are an attempt to tarnish his image.

Obasa, a six-term lawmaker, made this known in a personally signed statement in Lagos on Thursday. He described the allegation as baseless and an afterthought.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that online publications claimed the Assembly uncovered a significant cache of arms in the office of the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday.

According to several online media sources, the arms cache allegedly included about 47 pump-action rifles and live cartridges, stored within the Speaker?s office space.

NAN reports that, following the discovery, the Department of State Services (DSS) was notified. DSS operatives arrived to take inventory of the arms, with an investigation scheduled.

Reacting to the allegation, Obasa, a three-term Speaker, said it was evident his detractors were attempting to malign his reputation by fabricating the claims against him.

He described the allegation as illogical and baseless, asserting that it was doomed from the outset and lacked credibility.

Obasa said: ?My attention has been drawn to a viral, hatchet job disguised as journalism, published on Feb. 18.

?The ill-conceived story, besides being a complete fabrication, exposes its author and sponsors as malicious individuals with a low intelligence quotient.

?The story aimed to malign my hard-earned reputation, built over decades of political leadership and legislative dedication.

?In their desperation to defame me, their laughable narrative ? an outright abuse of social media ? left many gaps, with obvious questions left unanswered.

?The report cited phantom sources in the Assembly and alleged the discovery followed an uproar over DSS presence in the complex.?

Obasa stated that the DSS, acting on a voluntary invitation, would ultimately expose those orchestrating his persistent blackmail through false accusations.

He added that despite their claims, his detractors continued searching for non-existent evidence to tarnish his image.

NAN reports that on Jan. 13, a speakership crisis erupted following Obasa?s removal over alleged financial misconduct and gross impropriety.

Obasa was immediately replaced by his Deputy, Mojisola Meranda, while Fatai Mojeed was appointed as the new Deputy Speaker.

On Friday, Obasa approached the Lagos High Court to challenge his removal by fellow lawmakers.

However, chaos erupted at the Assembly on Monday as lawmakers and staff clashed with DSS operatives upon their arrival at the complex.

The Assembly complex was shut for several hours before legislative staff forced open the chamber?s doors, resuming activities amid heightened tension.

In a later statement, the Assembly condemned the presence of armed DSS operatives, arguing it undermined legislative sanctity and obstructed lawmakers from performing their duties. (NAN)

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