Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly was thrown into chaos on Monday as armed personnel of the Department of State Security (DSS) stormed the complex, sparking outrage among lawmakers.
The Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, condemned the presence of DSS men, accusing them of intimidation and harassment. “I am appealing to the leadership of the DSS to let us know the reason for taking over the House of assembly, especially coming to this chamber with weapons,” she said.
Lawmakers were unanimous in their condemnation of the DSS invasion, with many describing it as an attack on democracy. Mr. Kehinde Joseph (APC-Alimosho ll) urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, saying the presence and actions of the DSS personnel were a “national embarrassment.”
Another lawmaker, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, described the invasion as an “abuse of legislative procedure” and “an aberration of democracy.” “This is not government by barrels of gun. This is anarchy,” he said.
The crisis at the Lagos Assembly began on January 13, when the immediate past speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was removed over alleged financial impropriety and gross misconduct.
Obasa has since approached the Lagos High Court to challenge his removal. Lawmakers are calling for a systematic resolution to the leadership issues, rather than the intervention of security operatives.
As Mr. Abiodun Tobun said, “This is unheard of. This is an embarrassment to the Lagos Assembly, and an embarrassment to democracy.”
