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Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday strongly condemned the invasion of the legislative chamber by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), describing it as an assault on democracy.
During plenary, the lawmakers called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
At about 10 a.m., armed DSS operatives stormed the Assembly complex and forcefully entered the hallowed chamber in an attempt to disrupt the plenary session. However, legislative staff and lawmakers resisted the intrusion and successfully expelled the security personnel.
The lawmakers reaffirmed their support for the first female Speaker of the House while expressing confidence in her leadership.
Lawmakers Condemn DSS Action
The motion condemning the invasion was moved by Hon. Kehinde Joseph, who insisted that the Director-General of the DSS must be held accountable for the incident.
Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, described the invasion as a “rape of democracy,” while Hon. Kazeem Osho, representing Mushin Constituency II, had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency care following the incident.
Hon. Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun II) decried the invasion, calling it “unnecessary and unprofessional.” He said, “This harassment is unacceptable. We are elected to serve the people. If we decide to change leadership, it is a democratic process. This does not warrant intimidation by security forces.”
Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu I) called for an investigation, stating, “I never imagined a day when armed men would invade the Lagos Assembly. I urge the DSS DG to probe this incident and call those responsible to order. President Tinubu must intervene to protect our democracy.”
Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) condemned the forceful entry, labeling it an abuse of legislative procedures. “What we witnessed today is an aberration. No one has the right to dictate our leadership. This is an eyesore and a stain on democratic principles,” he said.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe I) also denounced the invasion, stating, “This is an attempt by overzealous officers to impress certain interests. We represent the people, not the government with guns. If anyone is aggrieved, the courts are there, not the use of force. This is an embarrassment to democracy and the rule of law.”
The lawmakers called for urgent action to prevent a recurrence, emphasizing that such acts threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
