Lawmakers and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly returned to their normal duties today following the exit of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), from the House.
www.theoctopusnews.com reports that staff of the assembly were seen going on their various businesses without hindrance and restrictions.
Recall that there was heavy security presence at the assembly complex yesterday with the office of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker sealed.
In a statement by the DSS on Monday, the service noted that it didn’t storm the assembly, adding that they were rather invited by the assembly.
The DSS explained that the request came in the form of a letter from the Assembly dated February 14, 2025, which specifically sought increased security due to potential threats.
According to the DSS, the letter cited credible information suggesting that plans were underway to forcefully reinstate the impeached Speaker of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on February 18, 2025, which could pose a security risk.
The letter further noted that such an action could threaten the safety of the Assembly and its members.
However, the assembly on Monday, said it only asked the DSS for support and not to invade its offices and premises.
The House in a statement by its Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, stated this in reaction to the DSS claim that it invaded the Assembly because it was invited by the Acting Clerk of the House.
Oukayode said the invitation of DSS did not justify the actions of its officers at the House of Assembly.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication by the Department of State Security (DSS) regarding a letter dated 14th February 2025, titled ‘Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA.’
“Earlier today, lawmakers and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly arrived at the Assembly complex to find the offices of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, and the Acting Clerk of the House locked and access restricted by operatives of the DSS. Furthermore, the legislative chamber itself was sealed off.
“In an apparent effort to justify their actions, the DSS released to the public a letter written by the Acting Clerk of the House, requesting security presence at the Assembly complex.
“We 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.”
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