Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has cautioned former local government chairmen across the state to desist from meddling in the affairs of their successors.

Speaking during a meeting with newly elected council chairmen, Obasa—through a statement released by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Niniola Adegoke which was made available to starnigerianews.com urged the immediate past council bosses to release their “stranglehold” and allow the new administrations to function independently.

“You have done your bit, and everybody is grateful. But you cannot continue to control your successors,” Obasa warned. “What you owe them is honour, not interference. They are now in the saddle, so let them take charge.”

The Speaker expressed concern over reports that some former chairmen of local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs) were still exerting undue influence on current leaders.

“Let the new chairmen breathe. Let the public see that there are new sheriffs in town and that they are doing a good job. Don’t take their shine. Remove your grip on their necks,” he emphasized.

Obasa further advised the new chairmen to thoroughly scrutinize inherited financial obligations before making repayments. “Before you start paying loans, ask questions. Where you are unsure of what the loan was used for, look through the books. If you can renegotiate or restructure the terms, do so for the betterment of your constituents,” he added.