Security Operatives Take Over Lagos Assembly Amid Leadership Crisis
LAGOS—Security tensions escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police took over the premises, following an emerging leadership crisis.
A newly surfaced letter has revealed that the House of Assembly formally requested the DSS to bolster security at the Assembly complex, citing concerns over an alleged attempt by impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to reclaim his position.
Dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the acting Clerk of the House, Abubakar Ottun, the letter warned that Obasa’s purported plan to resume as Speaker on February 18 could disrupt order and pose a security threat to legislators and the legislative process.
The letter urged the DSS to deploy personnel starting February 16 to enforce strict access control within and around the Assembly premises.
“I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action,” the letter stated. “The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, as the Speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and ensuring strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises until further notice.”
This revelation follows reports of the presence of heavily armed DSS operatives and police officers around the Assembly complex, preventing unauthorized access and heightening speculations about the power struggle within the state legislature.
The unfolding crisis underscores deep-seated political tensions within the Lagos Assembly. Obasa, who was impeached amid allegations of misconduct, has yet to make a public statement regarding the claims that he intends to forcefully reclaim his seat.
The security takeover signals the gravity of the situation, as political observers watch closely for the next developments in this unfolding drama.
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Security Operatives Take Over Lagos Assembly Amid Leadership Crisis