Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have rallied behind the embattled speaker, Mojisola Meranda, just they criticised the invasion of the Assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police on Monday, noting that the development was a “rape of democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.”
During a plenary session attended by 36 members, the lawmakers demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS regarding the reasons behind the invasion.
They also appealed to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to probe the incident and supply the public with a comprehensive briefing on the findings. In addition, the Assembly implored President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and prevent the situation from escalating further.
Voicing their angst the lawmakers in unanimity frowned at the invasion, describing it as an abuse of legislative procedure and a threat to democratic governance.
Speaking during the session, Hon. Abiodun Tobun said: “This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy. What happened today is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment.”
He further affirmed the lawmakers’ loyalty to the Speaker, saying: “Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker—nobody can remove you.”
The lawmakers suggested that powerful and influential individuals or groups might be behind the incident, calling for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.
The House remained united in its stance, insisting on protecting the independence of the legislature and ensuring that such actions do not undermine democratic processes in the state.
DSS invited to protect Assembly not to seal offices– Acting Clerk
Meanwhile, the Assembly has issued a clarification on what led to the invasion of the assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the early hours of Monday, February 17, 2025.
In his reaction to the public outrage, the Acting Clerk, said, “The assembly called upon security agencies to ensure security, help maintain order and not seal off offices.”
In a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk of the House, A. Ottun, the Assembly management had informed security agencies in Lagos about “credible intelligence that indicated plans to forcibly reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, 2025.”
The management noted that such an attempt presented “a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.”
The letter, 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.
It read in part: “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 Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, poses 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 as well observe strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.
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