Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have strongly condemned the invasion of the Assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police. The lawmakers described the security clampdown as “a rape of democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.”
During Monday’s plenary session, which was attended by 36 lawmakers, the legislators demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS on why armed operatives stormed the Assembly complex. They also urged National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to investigate the incident and make his findings public.
Lawmakers Outraged by Security Clampdown
The legislators did not hold back in expressing their anger over the invasion, which they viewed as an abuse of legislative power and a threat to democracy in Lagos State.
“This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy,” lawmaker Abiodun Tobun declared during the session.
Tobun also reaffirmed the Assembly’s loyalty to Speaker Mojisola Meranda, dismissing any attempts to remove her.
“Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker—nobody can remove you,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Gbolahan Yishawu, who described the invasion as an unacceptable overreach by security agencies.
“The Nigerian Constitution clearly spells out the separation of powers. The legislature is a key pillar of democracy, and any attempt to intimidate or disrupt its activities must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Yishawu stated.
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Call for Immediate Action
The lawmakers urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately to prevent further escalation of the crisis. They also suggested that powerful individuals or groups might be behind the invasion and called for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible.
“This is an embarrassment to Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. We will not allow the integrity of this Assembly to be compromised by external forces,” one lawmaker said.
Ongoing Political Crisis in Lagos Assembly
Monday’s incident is the latest in the ongoing political turmoil at the Lagos State House of Assembly, following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13. Obasa, who was removed over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, has been challenging his impeachment in court.
There have been speculations that some political leaders are working behind the scenes to reinstate Obasa, a move that has caused tension in the Assembly.
Despite the security presence at the complex, lawmakers and legislative workers have continued to support Speaker Meranda, who recently received a unanimous vote of confidence from the Assembly.