Lagos Lawmakers Condemn DSS Invasion, DSS Explains Why Lagos Speaker’s Offices Were Sealed

 

   Governor   Babajide Sanwo-Olu 

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have strongly condemned Monday’s invasion of the assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, describing it as an attack on democracy and a national disgrace.

During a plenary session attended by 36 lawmakers, the legislators demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS regarding the presence of security operatives at the legislative complex. They also urged National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to investigate the incident and provide a public report on the findings.

The assembly further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately to prevent any escalation.

Expressing their outrage, the lawmakers denounced the invasion as an abuse of legislative procedures and a threat to democracy.

“This is not a government ruled by force. What happened today is an embarrassment and an act of harassment,” said Abiodun Tobun, reaffirming the legislators' loyalty to the Speaker.

Another lawmaker, Gbolahan Yishawu, criticized the security agencies’ actions as “an unacceptable overreach,” emphasizing that the legislature must function independently without intimidation.

The lawmakers suggested that powerful individuals or groups might be behind the incident and called for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.

Meanwhile, The Department of State Services (DSS) has provided clarification regarding its actions at the Lagos State House of Assembly after reports of a joint operation with the Nigerian Police Force that led to the sealing of several offices, including those of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Clerk of the House.

DSS officials have stated that they did not forcefully enter the Assembly complex but were invited to provide additional security. In an official statement released on Monday, the DSS explained that the request for extra protection was made through a letter from the Lagos State House of Assembly, dated February 14, 2025.

The letter raised concerns about the possible return of the impeached Speaker, Midashiru Obasa, to office on February 18, 2025. The Assembly expressed fears that his return could lead to security risks and disrupt the safety of both the Assembly and its members.

Signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, the letter urged the DSS to increase security around the Assembly from February 16, 2025, and implement strict access control measures until further notice. The full message, as quoted by the DSS, reads:

“The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and observing strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”