Lagos Lawmakers Condemn DSS Invasion of Assembly Complex, Demand Explanation

Lagos Assembly Condemns DSS Presence at Assembly Complex

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have criticized the presence of armed personnel from the Department of State Security (DSS) at the Assembly complex in Ikeja on Monday.

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Mojisola Meranda, the House called on the state’s DSS Director to explain the reason for the deployment of security operatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that chaos erupted at the Assembly complex as lawmakers and legislative staff clashed with DSS personnel upon their arrival. The complex was locked down for several hours before some staff forced the chamber doors open.

Speaker Meranda condemned the presence of DSS operatives, accusing them of intimidation and harassment of lawmakers. She described the incident as an attack on democracy.

“I am appealing to the leadership of the DSS to clarify why they took over the House of Assembly, especially entering this chamber with weapons,” Meranda stated.

Lawmakers Demand Urgent Intervention

Lawmaker Kehinde Joseph (APC-Alimosho II) urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently to safeguard democracy. He described the DSS presence at the chamber as a national embarrassment and called on the National Assembly to step in to reduce tensions.

Similarly, lawmaker Stephen Ogundipe condemned the “invasion,” calling it an abuse of legislative procedures.

“This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun. What happened today is an attack on democracy, bringing anarchy into the system. It is a total embarrassment and harassment,” Ogundipe stated.

“We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker. Nobody can remove you,” he assured Meranda.

Abiodun Tobun, another legislator, also condemned the DSS intervention, calling it an aberration. He emphasized that leadership disputes within the House should be resolved through due process rather than security intervention.

“A letter has been submitted on the floor of the House, indicating that the former Speaker has taken the case to court. We have three arms of government: the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary. If someone believes the court should mediate and interpret the situation, that is the democratic approach, rather than having security operatives invade the chamber,” Tobun argued.

“This is unheard of and an embarrassment—not only to the Lagos Assembly but to the entire Nigerian democracy, the National Assembly, and the country as a whole. The leadership of our party and government must question today’s invasion of this parliament,” he added.

Background on the Crisis

The leadership crisis in the Lagos Assembly began on January 13 following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of financial impropriety and gross misconduct. Obasa was immediately replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

On Friday, Obasa approached the Lagos High Court to challenge his removal by his colleagues.

The situation at the Assembly continues to generate concerns over democratic governance and the role of security agencies in legislative affairs.