*Lawmakers pass vote of confidence on Speaker

The Lagos State House of Assembly was thrown into chaos on Monday as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the legislative complex, sealing off the Speaker’s office in an unprecedented move that sparked outrage among lawmakers.

The invasion, which many legislators described as an “assault on democracy,” saw DSS operatives preventing Speaker Mojisola Meranda from accessing her office, while several lawmakers struggled to enter the complex amid heightened security presence.

Despite the standoff, 36 lawmakers managed to convene inside the Assembly chamber, where they passed a vote of confidence on Meranda and condemned the security clampdown.

During the heated session, lawmakers took turns lambasting the DSS for what they termed an illegal interference in legislative affairs.

Lawmakers React: ‘Democracy Under Siege!’

Hon. Abiodun Tobun decried the invasion, calling it “an aberration to democracy.”

He accused the DSS of attempting to undermine the legislature, stating, “If they want to contest, they should remove their uniforms and run for office. They can’t take over the parliament.”

Hon. Sheyi Lawal described the incident as “embarrassing,” questioning the DSS’ motives. “Coming here, we saw the whole House had been invaded by armed men. We can’t be intimidated. The DSS must explain their actions,” he said.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu expressed shock, warning that the attack on the Assembly was “an attack on democracy itself.”

He called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene immediately, stating, “If the legislative arm is invaded, democracy is in danger.”

Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. David Setonji, condemned the security crackdown, branding it “worrisome and unprofessional.”

He called on Lagosians and Nigerians to resist any attempt to undermine the Assembly, adding, “This is not an issue we should take lightly.”

Hon. Okanlawon Sanni questioned the rationale behind the invasion, stating, “What is our offence? We are doing our job. Other Speakers have been removed before, and heaven did not fall.”

Hon. Olanrewaju Afinni, who was allegedly detained by the DSS, linked the crisis to the recent removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. “What happened today makes us sad. This is not democracy,” he lamented.

Hon. Emmanuel Olotu described the invasion as a “great slap on democracy,” stating, “I have only seen this on TV, but today, we lived through it. This show of power is unnecessary and must be stopped.”

Majority Leader, Hon. Temitope Adedeji, expressed deep concern, calling it a dark day in Lagos Assembly history.

He urged Tinubu to intervene, warning, “This is the same House Asiwaju built. We need the President to call the DSS to order.”

Vote of Confidence for Speaker Meranda

Despite the siege, the lawmakers stood firm in their support for Speaker Meranda.

Hon. Kehinde Joseph called for the Director-General of the DSS to be summoned by the National Assembly to explain the invasion of the Assembly and rein in his operatives, insisting they must be held accountable.

He added that Governor Sanwo-Olu should set up a panel to investigate the incident.

Hon. Oladipo Ajomale said he found it unbelievable that the DSS intervention was linked to Obasa’s removal, while Hon. Kehinde Joseph demanded that the DSS Director-General be summoned to explain the invasion.

In a show of unity, all 36 lawmakers moved and passed a vote of confidence on Speaker Meranda, with Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye seconding the motion.

As the dust settles, pressure is mounting on Tinubu and the National Assembly to address what many see as a dangerous attempt to suppress the independence of the Lagos State legislature.

The Assembly has now adjourned indefinitely ahead of the planned resumption of the former Speaker, Obasa on Tuesday.


https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/02/17/lagos-assembly-under-siege-dss-locks-out-lagos-speaker-as-lawmakers-revolt/