EKO NEWS

Lagos Lawmakers Demand Probe into DSS Interference at Assembly

Published

2 months ago

Feb 18, 2025.

Lagos lawmakers demand a probe into DSS interference.

DSS operatives allegedly sealed offices and blocked access.

Lawmakers insist on protecting legislative independence.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for an investigation into the Department of State Services (DSS) following its alleged interference at the assembly complex on Monday.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, Stephen Ogundipe, made this demand in Lagos, condemning the DSS for disrupting legislative activities.

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The incident, which caused chaos at the assembly complex, saw lawmakers and staff clashing with DSS personnel, leading to a temporary closure of the premises.

Legislative staff later forced open the chamber doors, allowing proceedings to resume.

Ogundipe criticized the DSS for obstructing lawmakers from carrying out their constitutional duties and urged authorities to ensure such interference does not happen again. He described the act as an infringement on the legislature’s independence and a direct attack on democracy.

The lawmaker also referenced a DSS publication citing a letter titled “Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA,” dated February 14.

He explained that while the House had requested security support, the lawmakers never instructed the DSS to seal offices or restrict access to the chamber.

“When lawmakers and staff arrived, they found the Speaker’s, Deputy Speaker’s, and Acting Clerk’s offices locked by DSS operatives, with the chamber also sealed. The letter requesting security never authorized such actions,” Ogundipe stated.

He expressed concerns over the implications of Monday’s incident, emphasizing the need to protect the legislature from external interference.