In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, February 17, 2025, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrived at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, sparking concerns and speculation among the public. The presence of the DSS agents raised questions about the state of affairs within the Assembly, leading some to believe that the operatives were there to seal off the legislative offices.
However, the Assembly has moved quickly to clarify the nature of the security deployment. According to the Acting Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, A. Ottun, the DSS presence was solely for the purpose of ensuring security and maintaining order amidst rising tensions within the Assembly.
“The Assembly called upon the security agencies, including the DSS, to help ensure a peaceful environment and to safeguard the premises. Our request was not for them to seal off any offices,” Ottun explained in a statement issued shortly after the DSS operatives arrived at the Assembly.
This clarification comes after the Assembly sent a letter to various security agencies, including the DSS, requesting enhanced security measures in anticipation of a possible confrontation within the legislative chambers. The letter, dated February 14, 2025, outlined concerns over a potential security breach related to the controversial impeachment of the Assembly’s Speaker.
Intelligence of a Forced Resumption
According to the letter, which was signed by the Acting Clerk, the Assembly had received “credible intelligence” indicating that the impeached Speaker of the House, who had been removed from office in a heated session earlier in February, intended to forcibly resume his position on February 18, 2025.
The Assembly management described the situation as a “potential security threat” that could jeopardize the safety of members and staff. The letter stressed the need for enhanced security, urging the DSS and other law enforcement agencies to increase their presence at the Assembly and implement stricter access control measures, both inside and outside the premises, starting from February 16, 2025.
“The impeached Speaker’s plan to resume office could lead to a breach of peace within the Assembly, and we do not want to take any chances,” said the Acting Clerk, A. Ottun. “Our primary concern is the safety of the members, the staff, and the integrity of the Assembly.”
A portion of the letter read: “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.”
The letter, which was directed to the DSS Director in Lagos and other heads of security agencies in the state, concluded by urging swift action to prevent any security breaches that might arise from the unrest surrounding the Speaker’s impeachment.
A Controversial Impeachment
The impeachment of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, which occurred earlier in February, was the result of a protracted and bitter power struggle within the House. The former Speaker had been accused of corruption, misconduct, and undermining the legislature’s ability to function effectively. However, his removal has sparked a great deal of controversy, with many supporters of the ousted Speaker decrying the impeachment as politically motivated.
In the aftermath of the impeachment, there have been reports suggesting that the former Speaker intended to return to his office forcibly. This has been compounded by rumors that the state government had interfered with the process in order to avoid any further instability within the Assembly. These rumors led to increased tensions, with the possibility of clashes between supporters of the impeached Speaker and members of the Assembly loyal to the new leadership.
As the situation developed, the management of the Assembly took the step of formally notifying the DSS and other security agencies of the growing concerns. The letter from the Acting Clerk described the situation as “volatile” and underscored the need for prompt action to avert any untoward incidents.
Response from Lawmakers and the Public
The arrival of the DSS operatives on Monday morning, which was part of the security measures requested by the Assembly, quickly made headlines. Social media erupted with speculation about the purpose of the DSS’s deployment, with some alleging that the operatives were there to seize control of the legislative complex.
A member of the Assembly, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed support for the security measures, noting that the situation was highly unpredictable. “We all understand the gravity of the situation. If there is a credible threat to our safety, it’s only prudent that we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and the Assembly,” the lawmaker said.
However, not all members of the public shared this view. Some critics of the Assembly’s leadership questioned whether the presence of the DSS was a politically motivated move to intimidate the opposition or stifle dissent. One observer remarked, “It’s hard to believe that the DSS presence is purely about security. There seems to be more to this than meets the eye.”
Despite the differing opinions, the Assembly has remained firm in its stance that the DSS’s role was solely focused on ensuring the safety of the legislative process and preventing any disruption.
Background: The Role of the DSS in National Security
The Department of State Services (DSS) plays a critical role in national security, particularly in matters concerning the protection of the country’s political institutions. The agency’s mandate includes the protection of government officials, the prevention of domestic threats, and the maintenance of public order.
In light of the volatile political environment surrounding the Lagos State Assembly, the DSS’s involvement was deemed necessary to avoid any escalation of violence. While its presence may have raised eyebrows, the Lagos Assembly leadership maintains that its actions were in response to a legitimate security threat.
In a statement issued after the DSS operatives departed from the Assembly, the Acting Clerk reiterated that the security situation was being closely monitored and that the Assembly was committed to upholding the rule of law.
“We want to reassure the public that the Assembly remains open and functional. We are committed to the peaceful and orderly conduct of legislative business,” Ottun concluded.