Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by security operatives on Monday, calling it an attack on democracy. The incident, which has gone viral through a video showing armed operatives storming the assembly, has sparked outrage and demands for a thorough investigation
Atiku Reacts to Security Forces in Lagos Assembly
In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku described the actions of the security forces as utterly reprehensible. He expressed bewilderment over the fact that these operatives seemed to have a mandate to enforce a leadership change within the Lagos Assembly. “It is appalling that it is those who claimed to have fought for democracy that decided to sanction this crass desecration of the state’s foremost legislative body,” Atiku said. According to him, this unnecessary intervention by security agents jeopardizes the democracy that Nigerians have worked so hard to establish.
The Disturbing Trend of Security Forces in Parliament
Atiku’s words underline a significant concern, the intrusion of armed security forces into the workings of a state legislature. He stressed that this situation must be fully investigated and addressed with urgency. The PDP candidate further emphasized that such interference in parliamentary matters is disgraceful and undermines the sanctity of democracy. In his statement, Atiku called out those responsible for inviting the security forces into the parliament as acting against the values of the democratic system.
“This act is an attack on the sanctity of democracy and a landmark of indignity to the Nigerian electorate, especially the people of Lagos,” Atiku added. He argued that although leadership conflicts in legislative bodies are not uncommon in democracies, the response should never involve armed intervention. The situation, according to Atiku, needs a more thoughtful and peaceful resolution.
The Need for Urgent Action and Accountability
The invasion at the Lagos State House of Assembly raises serious questions about the limits of security forces’ authority and their role in resolving internal political disputes. Atiku believes that President Bola Tinubu should focus on addressing the country’s national issues instead of interfering in the internal affairs of Lagos State. The widespread concern over the actions of the security operatives has led many to demand accountability for whoever authorized such an extreme measure.
Security personnel were seen in and around the Lagos Assembly complex during the plenary session on Monday, with vans and agents stationed at strategic locations. The incident disrupted the session for hours, highlighting the tension and the overbearing presence of security forces at a time when peaceful dialogue should have been prioritized.
Atiku’s Call for Justice and Reform
Atiku’s condemnation of the security forces’ actions is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining democratic integrity. The invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by security forces goes beyond just a political crisis, it strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s fragile democracy. Atiku has called for a full investigation into the incident, demanding accountability for those responsible for turning a political disagreement into a security matter. He has urged those in power to reconsider their approach and focus on fostering peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for all Nigerians to stay vigilant about the sanctity of their democratic institutions. Security forces should be used responsibly and only when absolutely necessary, not to be used as “agberos”, as any misuse of power can lead to dangerous consequences for the country’s democracy.
