Lawmakers, DSS disagree over presence of security operatives at Lagos Assembly

The Lagos State House of Assembly and the Department of State Services (DSS) have disagreed over the security agency’s presence at the Assembly.

While the security agency said its personnel were at the Assembly on the invitation of the House to provide security, the lawmakers said the security officers sealed the offices of the speaker, deputy speaker, and clerk.

On the claim of security agents that they were invited, the lawmakers said they were not invited to lock offices.

In a letter by the Acting Clerk of the House, A Ottun, dated February 14, 2025, the Assembly management notified security agencies in Lagos about “credible intelligence that indicated plans to forcibly reinstate impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on February 18, 2025.”

The management highlighted that such an attempt presented “a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.”

Entitled: “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises,’ the letter, with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, which was sent to the DSS Director in Lagos and the heads of other security agencies in the state read in part: “The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

“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. We look forward to your prompt attention.”

Noting that their presence on the Assembly complex was in response to the above, DSS officials wondered how carrying out their responsibility, became an invasion.

However, the Lagos Assembly members said the DSS was invited to provide them security ahead of February 18, 2025.

The Chairman House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi/Isolo 1, said: “We wish to categorically state that this is not the first time the House has sought security support from DSS.

“However, it is important to emphasize that in all previous instances, DSS operatives had been stationed at the main gate of the Assembly complex, ensuring that unauthorized persons do not gain entry.

“For avoidance of doubt, at no point did the letter requesting security assistance instruct the DSS to invade the legislative chamber; lock and restrict access to the Speaker’s office; lock the office of the Acting Clerk; lock the Deputy Speaker’s office.

“The events of today (Monday) raise serious concerns about undue interference in legislative affairs. The sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly was undermined by armed DSS operatives who actively obstructed lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties. This act amounts to an infringement on the independence of the legislature and a direct assault on democratic governance.”

“We reiterate that the lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have taken a decisive and lawful step in the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. We stand firmly behind the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and remain resolute in our commitment to enacting laws that foster the development and progress of Lagos State.”