T ensions boiled over at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday as operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the legislative complex, sealing off key offices and sparking a political firestorm over democracy and the rule of law.
DSS Storms the Assembly, Disrupts Plenary
The crisis erupted when DSS operatives—allegedly acting on orders from the assembly’s clerk—shut down the offices of the Speaker and principal officers, delaying the scheduled 11:00 AM plenary for nearly two hours.
Amidst mounting tension, lawmakers forced their way into the chamber, rallying behind Speaker Mojisola Meranda, who was visibly emotional as she received their support.
The Political Undercurrents
At the heart of the turmoil lies the January 13, 2025, removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who has since launched a legal battle to reclaim his position.
Speculation over Obasa’s possible reinstatement fueled the security presence, with the DSS reportedly called in to maintain order as political maneuvering intensified.
Lawmakers Condemn the Invasion
Inside the chamber, lawmakers erupted in outrage:
- Kehinde Joseph called for presidential intervention, warning against a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
- Stephen Ogundipe condemned the event as a “rape of democracy,” decrying the use of security forces to interfere in legislative affairs.
- In a show of defiance, the Assembly passed a vote of confidence in Meranda, reaffirming her position despite the turmoil.
DSS & Assembly Offer Conflicting Explanations
While the Assembly confirmed inviting DSS operatives for security reasons, it denied authorizing the sealing of offices—a revelation that has intensified debates over the role of security agencies in political disputes.
Political Reactions & Fallout
The crisis has drawn sharp responses from key political figures:
- The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos APC distanced itself, stating that the dispute was not a party matter but an internal Assembly issue.
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour condemned the invasion, calling it a direct assault on democracy.
Security Shake-Up Amid Political Tension
In a dramatic turn, the crisis has coincided with:
- The removal of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, now replaced by Moshood Jimoh.
- A reported reshuffling of security personnel attached to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—moves widely speculated to be linked to the unfolding power struggle.
The Bigger Picture: A Test for Nigeria’s Democracy
This episode underscores the delicate balance between security and democracy in Nigeria. The use of security forces in legislative affairs has raised alarms over the independence of state assemblies and the growing influence of political godfathers.
With the crisis unresolved, all eyes are now on President Bola Tinubu, as calls mount for his intervention to restore order and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The unfolding Lagos Assembly drama is a stark reminder of the fragility of political stability, where the line between maintaining order and undermining democracy grows increasingly thin.
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