Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have strongly condemned the invasion of the Assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police on Monday, calling the action a “rape of democracy,” an “aberration,” and a “national embarrassment.”
The incident occurred during a plenary session that was attended by 36 members of the Assembly. The lawmakers, visibly outraged, demanded an explanation from the Director of DSS in Lagos regarding the motives behind the invasion and called for an investigation by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. They also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent any further escalation of the situation.
The invasion, which took place without prior notice or explanation, was seen as an attack on the independence of the legislature and a direct challenge to democratic governance. Lawmakers expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democracy, especially at a time when the political landscape remains tense.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun, one of the lawmakers who spoke out against the invasion, described it as a “total embarrassment” and an attempt to intimidate the legislature. “This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun,” Tobun said. “What happened today is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy. This is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment.”
The invasion has sparked widespread debate about the role of security agencies in maintaining law and order, and whether such an action could be justified in a democratic society. Lawmakers across the country are now calling for stronger safeguards to protect the independence of the legislature and prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future.
On Monday morning, a team of DSS and Nigeria Police operatives arrived at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex and entered without prior notice. The operatives were reportedly searching for unspecified individuals or materials, although no clear explanation was given for the unannounced raid. This led to confusion, tension, and a disruption of the Assembly’s plenary session, which was ongoing at the time.
The operatives’ actions immediately raised alarm among the lawmakers, who quickly gathered to discuss the incident. In response, the Assembly issued a statement condemning the invasion and calling for an urgent investigation into the matter.
“The actions of the DSS and the police today are an affront to our democracy,” said Hon. Tobun. “They cannot be allowed to undermine the work of the legislature, and we will not stand by and watch such actions continue.”
The lawmakers also expressed their unwavering support for Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who has been at the helm of the Assembly for several years. Despite the chaos caused by the invasion, the lawmakers made it clear that they stood firmly behind the Speaker’s leadership.
“Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker—nobody can remove you,” Hon. Tobun declared, emphasising the lawmakers’ commitment to defending the integrity of the Assembly.
The Lagos lawmakers have demanded a thorough investigation into the motives behind the invasion. They suggested that powerful individuals or groups could be behind the incident, potentially using security agencies to disrupt the legislative process for personal or political gain.
The Assembly called on National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to conduct a full investigation into the matter and to ensure that those responsible for the invasion are held accountable. The lawmakers also urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately intervene and prevent any further attacks on the legislature.
“We expect a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter, and we want to know who ordered this invasion,” Hon. Olamide George, another lawmaker, said during the session. “This is not the way we should be doing things in a democratic society. Our people deserve better.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) is a secret police agency responsible for domestic intelligence gathering and national security operations. The Nigeria Police, on the other hand, is the primary law enforcement body tasked with maintaining peace and order. Both agencies are vital to Nigeria’s security apparatus, but their roles and actions must remain within the boundaries set by the law, especially when it comes to respecting the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.
In this particular instance, the role of the DSS and the police in the invasion has raised concerns about the abuse of power. Security agencies are entrusted with the responsibility to protect the public and uphold the rule of law, but incidents like this undermine public confidence in their ability to serve fairly and impartially.
The Lagos State Assembly’s condemnation of the incident sends a strong message that the legislature will not tolerate actions that undermine its independence. The lawmakers have made it clear that they will take all necessary steps to protect the integrity of the legislative process, including calling for accountability from those responsible for the invasion.
The Lagos State House of Assembly is one of the most influential legislative bodies in Nigeria, and Lagos is a key political and economic centre in the country. The Assembly has often been at the forefront of political battles, particularly as it relates to the state’s governance and its relationship with the federal government.
In recent years, the political climate in Nigeria has become more charged, with increased tensions between the federal government and state governments. This has led to clashes between various political factions and has raised concerns about the growing militarization of the country’s security forces.
