On Monday, Department of State Security (DSS) operatives stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly chamber, disrupting an ongoing sitting.
In a viral video circulating across social media, the security operatives at the chamber were seen resisting the DSS operatives, while trying to force them out of the building.
According to reports, the armed officers stormed the premises of the House of Assembly, sealing up the Speaker’s offices, Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and clerk of the House.
This event has sparked worries among Nigerians regarding the distribution of power and the involvement of security agencies in the country’s democratic structures.
A Facebook user, Abayomi Akinwale expressed dissatisfaction with the happenings at the House. He suggested that it would be best to wait for the court rulings concerning the impeachment of the former speaker before taking any decision that could potentially embarrass the legislative system.
Another X user, ‘Sundaytruck,’ commented that it was unfortunate what had occurred in the House of Assembly. He explained that such issues often arise in politics; however, the DSS should have managed the situation more professionally.
In a recent development, the DSS explained its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly earlier today, stating that it was the Assembly that invited security agents to maintain order.
DSS provides insight to the fracas at the Lagos State House of Assembly
In a statement issued on Monday, the DSS noted that the deployment is a result of a letter of request for heightened protection from potential threats from the Assembly itself.
The security outfit stated that a letter from the Assembly management, dated 14 February 2025, warned Lagos security agencies about credible information regarding plans to forcefully reinstate the impeached Speaker.
Recall that on 13 February, Mudashiru Obara suffered an impeachment as speaker by the Lagos State House of Assembly on the basis of alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office. Consequently, his deputy Mojisola Merand went on to replace him.
DSS explained that the Assembly management noted in its letter that this incident posed a potential security threat to the House and its members.
The force further assured the public that its actions aimed to maintain order and address security threats to the Assembly and its members.
