… Atiku, GRV Condemns Invasion

… We Invited DSS to Protect, Not to Invade—Lawmakers

Calm is yet to return fully to the legislative arm of government in Lagos State; it was a rancorous day at the Assembly on Monday, as the lawmakers witnessed the heavy presence of security agents of the Department of State Services (DSS) in an attempt to prevent them from having their plenary session.

The security agency arrived at the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly, at Alausa, on Monday morning to seal the chambers of lawmakers and the Offices of the Speaker, Rt Honourable Mojisola Meranda, the deputy and clerk of the House, creating tension in the state.

Despite the uproar in the house, the lawmakers later forced their way into their regular plenary session, which was later presided over by the speaker. In the sitting, the lawmakers were seen proclaiming their support for the speaker as they passed a vote of confidence in her.

The DSS operation was not disconnected from the ongoing leadership tussle which has led political uncertainty in the state in which the lawmakers removed the former speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa while he was out of the country, based on the allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office.

The former speaker, thereafter, has challenged the decision of his colleagues in court, stating that the lawmakers failed to follow the due process before his removal.

Obasa, in his argument, mentioned the house and the current speaker of the House as the defendants asked the court to clarify the constitutionality of his removal.

“The action borders on the constitutionality or otherwise of the sitting and proceedings of the Lagos State House of Assembly of the 13th of January 2025, where the Plaintiff herein, as Honourable Speaker, was said to be impeached.

“This action challenges the constitutionality of the sitting and proceedings of the Lagos State House of Assembly to sit during recess without the Speaker reconvening the House or giving any other person powers to reconvene the House.

“Public interest requires the case to be heard and determined speedily and expeditiously so that legislative activities in the State are not stalled.

“The legality of the continued sitting of the 1st defendant under the present leadership in violation of the aforementioned laws and rules calls for an urgent determination,” his argument partly reads.

While the development seems to have created division among the political stakeholders in the state, the members of the House have insisted that their decisions were legal as they continue to provide their support for Mojisola Meranda, who is the first female speaker in the state.

Nigerians across the country have reacted to the DSS invasion, describing it as a clear assault on democracy and an abuse of power that requires investigation.

In his reaction, the former vice president of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, described the event as an attack on democracy and discretion of the legislative arm of the government.

“The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is utterly reprehensible and stands condemned. It must be subjected to a full and thorough investigation.

“It is bewildering that the invading operatives reportedly have a mandate to enforce a leadership change in the House.

“It is appalling that it is those who claimed to have fought for democracy that decided to sanction this crass desecration of the state’s foremost legislative body, and by so doing, putting our hard-earned democracy in jeopardy.

“This act is an attack on the sanctity of democracy and a landmark of indignity to the Nigerian electorate, especially the people of Lagos,” he said.

In the same light, the candidate of the Labour Party in the Lagos State governorship election in 2023, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, also condemned the invasion of DSS on the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly as an alien to democratic government, describing it as the replica of the military government, which should not be allowed in governance.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly is the people’s house—a symbol of our democratic values and aspirations. All well-meaning Lagosians must resist any attempt to undermine their independence through intimidation tactics.

“Without respect for established democratic processes and the independence of the Lagos State House of Assembly, we risk a shameful descent into anarchy,” he said.

DSS Invited for Security not to Invade—Lawmakers

Meanwhile, in the ironic turn of events, the lawmakers have said the DSS was invited by the House to prevent a potential reinstatement of impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

A letter signed by the Acting Clerk of the House, A. Ottun, with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, was sent to the DSS Director in Lagos and the heads of other security agencies in the state.

The letter partly reads, “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises.” The letter stressed the urgent need to prevent any security breaches at the Assembly.

“The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

“We kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, February 16, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and also observing strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.

“We look forward to your prompt attention, sir. Thank you.”