The Registered Trustees of the Secure World and Liberty Initiative have called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to immediately screen the members of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu six months ago.

In a press statement jointly signed by Barrister Kayode Mogbojuri, Comrade Mark Adebayo, and Prince Adefemi Omoniyi, the group warned that the Assembly’s delay in screening the appointees jeopardizes grassroots democracy.

The group disclosed that it filed a lawsuit at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on November 25, 2024, against the Governor and the Assembly. “Our legal action seeks to compel the Lagos State House of Assembly to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of screening LASIEC members,” the statement said.

Highlighting the significance of local government councils in delivering essential services and ensuring participatory governance, the group expressed concern over the stalled local government elections. They noted that this inaction violates Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees a democratically elected local government system.

“This delay is not just unconstitutional but an affront to democratic principles,” they stated, adding that elections are vital to sustaining democracy. “Without elections, democracy is replaced by arbitrariness, opening the door to abuse of power.”

The group accused Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of deliberately delaying the screening process to enable the appointment of administrative officers to oversee Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) illegally. They described this as “a calculated move designed to create a vacuum and undermine constitutional provisions.”

Citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the independence of local government councils, the group demanded compliance from the Lagos State Government. “The Assembly’s constitutional and legal duties are mandatory, not optional. Its inaction amounts to a betrayal of public trust,” the statement emphasized.

The group also warned that failing to constitute a proper electoral body hampers governance and service delivery, leaving Lagos residents underserved. “The people of Lagos deserve better,” they declared.

Secure World called on civil society, the media, and Nigerians at large to hold the Lagos State Government accountable. “This is not just about Lagos; it is about preserving democratic governance across Nigeria,” they urged.

Concluding, the group reiterated its demand for immediate action. “We call on the Lagos State House of Assembly to screen the LASIEC appointees without further delay. Democracy at the grassroots must not be compromised,” they stated.