The Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Sam Emeka Okpala, has condemned the invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, describing it as a desecration of the legislative chamber......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
Okpala criticized the security operatives’ actions, stating that they were highly questionable and unacceptable.
THE WHISTLER reports that the security agents stormed the Assembly complex on Monday morning and sealed the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House.
They were said to have arrived at the House and after gaining access, took over the chamber preventing the lawmakers and staff who had to force themselves in for the day’s activity.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Meranda arrived at the premises with her convoy at approximately 11:15 a.m. and proceeded to preside over the plenary session, asserting her authority as Speaker.
During the session, lawmakers strongly condemned the security invasion, describing it as a direct assault on democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.
The legislators demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS regarding the presence of security forces at the legislative complex. They also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene to prevent further escalation and called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the incident and provide a comprehensive report to the public.
Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, Okpala underscored the importance of legislative independence.
“It’s the desecration of the hallowed chambers. The State House of Assembly ought to be a hallowed chamber that should be respected by all people and all institutions,” he told THE WHISTLER.
“This is just what we’ve been complaining about in the country. There’s too much lawlessness going on. I personally condemn it. It’s not right, it’s wrong and for the democracy we claim to be practicing. For the DSS to display what they did there, leaves much to be desired.
He further argued that the invasion signaled a threat to the legislature’s autonomy.
“By the constitutional provisions that create them, they ought to be independent in words and in action. But with what happened yesterday, it’s obvious that something is amiss somewhere. Their independence is threatened. It’s not what it should be,” Okpala added.
With Nigeria having practiced uninterrupted democracy for over 25 years, Okpala emphasized the need for adherence to democratic principles.
“Our democracy ought to have matured. A democracy we’ve practiced for 23-24 years going, should no longer be that of a ‘Tenager Democracy’, Okpala told THE WHISTLER.
“We need advocacy, we need people to really play by the rules.”
Meanwhile, a leaked letter dated February 14, 2025, suggests that the Assembly management had prior intelligence on a possible attempt to forcefully reinstate the former Speaker, Mudasiru Obasa, on February 18, 2025.
The letter, with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, was signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, A. T. B. Ottun, and addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos, as well as heads of other security agencies in the state.
Titled “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises,” the letter stated: “I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action.
“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, as the Speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February, 2025 by increasing the presence of your men, and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”
The letter concluded with an appeal for urgent intervention.
“We look forward to your prompt attention sir. thank you.”