Gbajabiamila Never Asked Me To Deny Role In Obasa’s Removal — Elliot

 Lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot has denied claims by Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, that he instructed him to publicly deny involvement in the controversial removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Gbajabiamila, who recently spoke on the political crisis that rocked the Lagos Assembly, had stated that he almost lost his position because of Elliot’s alleged involvement in the plot to remove Obasa as Speaker.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said he advised Elliot to publicly distance himself from the development by issuing a statement denying participation in the removal process, adding that the lawmaker failed to do so.

However, reacting during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday monitored by Daily Independent, Elliot dismissed the claim, insisting that Gbajabiamila never at any time asked him to issue any public statement on the matter.

According to Elliot, while he consulted Gbajabiamila during the period of the crisis because of his political leadership role in Lagos politics, the Chief of Staff never instructed him to make any public denial.

“Yes, I spoke with him during that period. I always seek his opinion. He is my leader and has always been my leader. I always seek his opinion, especially when it comes to matters concerning the House and decisions that have to be made,” Elliot said.

“He did speak with me during that period, but he never at any point in time asked me to make a public statement or issue any opinion, and I am saying that categorically,” he added.

Elliot also expressed surprise that Gbajabiamila decided to revisit the issue despite the resolution of the Assembly leadership crisis following Obasa’s reinstatement as Speaker.

The lawmaker who said he is targeting a principal position in the next assembly dispensation has vowed not to step down from the race despite Gbajabiamila's endorsement of a female aspirant, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare.

The primary election is scheduled for tomorrow.