The Lagos State House of Assembly has strongly condemned the invasion of its complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, calling it a “national embarrassment” and a “rape of democracy.” The lawmakers, visibly outraged, described the security presence as an attack on democratic principles and an abuse of legislative powers.
During a plenary session attended by 36 members, the legislators demanded answers from the Lagos State Director of DSS and called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the incident. They also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately to prevent further escalation, warning that such incidents threaten the stability of governance in Lagos State.
“This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun,” said Abiodun Tobun, one of the lawmakers. “What happened today is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment.”
Lawmakers Insist on Legislative Independence
The legislators unanimously condemned the invasion, asserting that it was a direct attack on the separation of powers. They stressed that the legislature must remain independent and free from intimidation.
Gbolahan Yishawu, another member of the assembly, called it “an unacceptable overreach by security agencies” and emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees legislative independence. “The legislature is a key pillar of democracy, and any attempt to disrupt its activities must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he stated.
Many lawmakers speculated that powerful individuals might have been behind the invasion. They demanded a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible and ensure such incidents do not undermine the democratic process in Lagos State.
“We will not allow this to go unaddressed. The independence of the legislature is non-negotiable,” the lawmakers declared.
Lawmakers Demand President Tinubu’s Swift Action
The Lagos Assembly’s call for President Tinubu’s intervention highlights the gravity of the situation. Lawmakers warned that the invasion sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the democratic process in Nigeria.
“We urge President Tinubu to act swiftly and ensure that such actions are not repeated,” they stated. “The independence of the legislature must be respected, and any attempt to intimidate lawmakers must be met with the full force of the law.”
As of the time of this report, neither the DSS nor the Nigeria Police have responded to the assembly’s condemnation. The silence from security agencies has only fueled concerns about the motives behind the invasion and its implications for democracy in Lagos State.
This is a very funny country—if lawmakers don’t take their own authority seriously, why would anyone else respect them?
