The Lagos State House of Assembly, has criticized the Department of State Services (DSS) for sealing off the Assembly complex, denying claims that lawmakers invited the security agency to take such action.
Armed DSS operatives on Monday took over the Assembly premises, blocking access to the office of the Speaker, as well as restricting lawmakers, and staff. The incident caused tension within the complex, as legislators and Assembly workers forced open the chamber doors to continue with their session.
However, after just 35 minutes of deliberation, Speaker Meranda was forced to adjourn the sitting indefinitely.
In response to the backlash following the incident, the DSS released an official statement defending its presence at the Assembly. The agency insisted that it had not forcefully entered the premises but had been invited to provide security following concerns raised by the lawmakers.
The DSS statement referenced a letter dated February 14, 2025, from the Lagos State House of Assembly. The letter, according to the security agency, warned that there were credible reports of an attempt by the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to reclaim his office on February 18, 2025. The letter reportedly stated that this move could create security risks and disrupt legislative activities.
In a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode made it known that wish to categorically state that this is not the first time the House has sought security support from the DSS.
However, it is important to emphasize that in all previous instances, DSS operatives have been stationed at the main gate of the Assembly complex, ensuring that unauthorized persons do not gain entry.
For the avoidance of doubt, at no point did the letter requesting security assistance instruct the DSS to:
– Invade the legislative chamber
– Lock and restrict access to the Speaker’s office
– Lock the office of the Acting Clerk
– Lock the Deputy Speaker’s office
The events of today raise serious concerns about undue interference in legislative affairs. The sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly was undermined by armed DSS operatives who actively obstructed lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties.
This act amounts to an infringement on the independence of the legislature and a direct assault on democratic governance.
“We reiterate that the lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have taken a decisive and lawful step in the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. ”
“We stand firmly behind the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, and remain resolute in our commitment to enacting laws that foster the development and progress of Lagos State.
We call on all relevant authorities to investigate this unwarranted restriction on legislative activities and ensure that such incidents do not recur.”