Lagos Lawmakers Condemn DSS Invasion, Describe It as National Embarrassment
The Lagos State House of Assembly has strongly condemned Monday’s invasion of its complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, describing the incident as a blatant assault on democracy and a national disgrace.
During a tense plenary session attended by 36 lawmakers, members demanded an immediate explanation from the Lagos State Director of the DSS, questioning the rationale behind the heavy security presence at the legislative complex. The lawmakers also called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the findings are made public.
Additionally, the House urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene promptly to prevent further escalations that could undermine the democratic process.
Lawmakers Decry Attack on Legislative Independence
Expressing their outrage, the lawmakers unanimously denounced the invasion, warning that such actions threaten the sanctity of legislative procedures and endanger democratic governance.
“This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy. What happened today is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment,” declared lawmaker Abiodun Tobun.
Reaffirming the Assembly’s support for the Speaker, Tobun insisted that the legislature would resist external interference. “Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker—nobody can remove you,” he said.
Gbolahan Yishawu, another legislator, described the incident as an egregious overreach by security agencies. He emphasized the importance of legislative independence, stating, “The Nigerian Constitution clearly spells out the separation of powers. The legislature is a key pillar of democracy, and any attempt to intimidate or disrupt its activities must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
Call for Accountability
The lawmakers speculated that powerful political figures might have orchestrated the invasion, calling for a transparent investigation to expose those responsible. They stressed that any attempt to undermine the Assembly’s authority would be met with firm resistance.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly will remain united in defending its independence and ensuring that such undemocratic actions do not set a dangerous precedent,” the legislators affirmed.
Despite the widespread condemnation, both the DSS and the Nigeria Police have yet to officially respond to the Assembly’s allegations and demands for clarification.
Democracy at a Crossroads
The invasion of the Lagos Assembly raises critical questions about the role of security agencies in a democratic system. The presence of armed operatives within the legislative complex is not just an intimidation tactic but a dangerous encroachment on the principle of separation of powers. If left unchecked, such actions could embolden further breaches of democratic norms across the country.
As Nigerians watch closely, the response from the federal government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities will determine whether democratic institutions remain resilient or succumb to external pressures. The demand for accountability is clear: those responsible must be identified and held to account to prevent future assaults on democracy.
Lagos Lawmakers Condemn DSS Invasion, Describe It as National Embarrassment