- DSS blocked Lagos Assembly lawmakers from sitting, causing chaos.
- Speaker Meranda was seen crying, and a lawmaker was hospitalized.
- Lawmakers condemned the invasion, calling for an investigation and President Tinubu’s intervention.
There was chaos at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday as Department of State Security (DSS) operatives prevented lawmakers and staff from holding their plenary session, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
At around 12:25 pm, irate staff forcefully opened the chamber doors, chanting solidarity songs as they attempted to regain control of the premises.
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Eko Hot Blog reports that the DSS had shut the doors earlier, halting the session for several hours. As the commotion continued, lawmakers eventually formed a quorum and began the day’s proceedings at 12:45 pm.
The situation took a more emotional turn when Speaker Mojisola Meranda was seen sobbing intermittently while wiping away her tears. Lawmaker Yinka Esho was reportedly rushed to the hospital after suffering from the melee.
Following the incident, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly condemned the invasion by DSS and Nigeria Police operatives, calling it a “rape of democracy” and a “national embarrassment.” At a plenary session with 36 members in attendance, lawmakers demanded an explanation from the state’s Director of DSS about the reasons for the invasion.
The House also called for a full investigation by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
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Lawmaker Abiodun Tobun strongly condemned the actions, saying, “This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy, bringing in anarchy. It is a total embarrassment and harassment.” He further pledged unwavering support for Meranda’s leadership, stating, “Nobody can remove you. God chooses and removes leaders.”
Lawmakers suspect the involvement of influential individuals behind the invasion, and they vowed to protect the Assembly’s independence.
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