Lagos lawmakers have given new details about recent actions by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The lawmakers have confirmed that DSS officials locked the offices of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Acting Clerk when they entered the Assembly complex on Monday.
Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Olukayode, gave the details in a statement.
According to the lawmakers, when they arrived at the Assembly complex on Monday, they found that DSS operatives had sealed off several key areas including the Speaker’s office, the Deputy Speaker’s office, the Acting Clerk’s office, and the legislative chamber.
The Assembly clarified that while the Acting Clerk had earlier requested security support from DSS, it was not an invitation for the agency to block legislative activities. They noted that in previous cases, DSS officers were only stationed at the main gate to prevent unauthorized entry.
“We wish to categorically state that this is not the first time the House has sought security support from the DSS. However, in all previous instances, DSS operatives have been stationed at the main gate of the Assembly complex, ensuring unauthorized persons do not gain entry,” the statement said.
The lawmakers denied giving any directive for the security agency to invade the legislative chamber, lock the Speaker’s office, and close the offices of the Deputy Speaker and the Acting Clerk.
They strongly criticized the agency’s actions, saying they interfered with the normal operations of the Assembly. “This incident raises serious concerns about external interference in our legislative duties. The presence of armed DSS officers prevented lawmakers from carrying out their responsibilities,” the statement read.
The lawmakers described the DSS operation as a violation of the Assembly’s independence and an attack on democracy.
The Assembly also reaffirmed its support for the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
Her leadership follows the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, on January 13 over allegations of financial misappropriation, among others.
