Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have condemned the invasion of the Assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police today, describing it as a “rape of democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.”
During a plenary session attended by 36 lawmakers, the legislators demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS regarding the reasons behind the security operatives’ presence at the legislative complex, reports The PUNCH.
They also called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the incident and provide the public with a comprehensive briefing on the findings.
Additionally, the assembly urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately to prevent further escalation of the situation.
Expressing their outrage, the lawmakers unanimously condemned the invasion, insisting it was an abuse of legislative procedure and a threat to democratic governance in the state.
“This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy.
“What happened today is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment,” said Abiodun Tobun during the session.
He further reaffirmed the lawmakers’ loyalty to the Speaker of the House, stating, “Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker—nobody can remove you.”
Another lawmaker, Gbolahan Yishawu, described the incident as “an unacceptable overreach by security agencies,” emphasising that the legislature must be allowed to function independently without intimidation.
“The Nigerian Constitution clearly spells out the separation of powers. The legislature is a key pillar of democracy, and any attempt to intimidate or disrupt its activities must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Yishawu said.
The lawmakers suggested that powerful and influential individuals or groups might be behind the invasion, calling for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.
They maintained that the Lagos Assembly would remain united in protecting the independence of the legislature and ensuring that such actions do not undermine democratic processes in the state.
The DSS and the Nigeria Police are yet to officially respond to the assembly’s condemnation and demands for an explanation.
