The Lagos State House of Assembly has dispatched an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to step in and resolve the crisis that has engulfed the legislative arm of government in the state as the bastion of democracy.
The House made the call following the invasion of the assembly complex by security operatives on Monday morning, harping on the need to save democracy and restore law and order.
Persecondnews had reported that chaos and disorder erupted at the Assembly when armed operatives from the Department of State Security(DSS) and the Nigeria Police stormed the premises, sending lawmakers and staff into a frenzy.
Some of the operatives carrying guns also found their way into the hallowed chamber, preventing the lawmakers from holding their plenary session.
The invasion, which occurred in the early hours of the day, saw the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk locked up, while armed officers stationed themselves around the premises, stopping and searching passersby.
As the lawmakers made frantic efforts to chase out the intruders, the Sergeant-at Arms bearing the mace led the Speaker into the chamber.
During plenary, the House condemned the act in strong terms the invasion, describing it as an abuse of legislative procedure a slap on and aberration of democracy.
It demanded explanations for the invasion, calling on the DSS’s state director to provide reasons and the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate and publicly disclose the finding.
A lawmaker, who described the ordeal as appalling, expressed bewilderment at the invasion, stating that as representatives of the people, they saw no justification for the security agencies’ actions.
He said: “We should have the fear of God, because we came here with nothing and so shall we go with nothing.
“Even if you have three houses, you will only sleep in one per night. They should know that we are still practicing democracy, and democracy is still government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Another lawmaker, Mr. Abiodun Tobun, said: “This is not government by barrels of gun. This is an aberration of democracy. Bringing in anarchy, that is what they have done today. It is a total embarrassment and harassment.
“Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker. Nobody can remove you.”
Persecondnews reports that the lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in the Speaker and other principal officers of the House.
Earlier, a disturbing footage shows frazzled staff members, their faces contorted in frustration, as they desperately try to force their way through the exit door of the chamber.
In a defiant display of courage, one of the staff members was heard shouting, “You can’t kill us! This is the House of Assembly!” as they struggled to push and over power the security operatives.
He exclaimed: “What is happening here? We stand firm, this is the House of Assembly, for God’s sake! Nothing will happen, nothing will ever happen.”
Journalists were caught in the crossfire, desperately clutching their cameras as they struggled to shield them from the relentless shoving and jostling by the security operatives stationed at the door.
In a show of solidarity, lawmakers and assembly workers joined forces to force their way into the chamber around 12:30 pm.
Eyewitnesses report that DSS officials inside the chamber clashed physically with legislative workers at the exit door, but were eventually overpowered.
An unconfirmed report has it that a lawmaker, Mr. Yinka Esho, was said to have been rushed to the hospital for treatment following the melee.
The development comes amid a leadership crisis in the House, following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in absentia by 32 out of the 40 members of the state Assembly on January 13, 2025.
Persecondnews had reported that Obasa has taken legal action against the state lawmakers, challenging the legality of his removal as Speaker and seeking an expedited hearing of his suit at the Ikeja Division of the State High Court.
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