The office of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly has denied claims that the Assembly invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to take over the premises.
TheNewsGuru recalls that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the early hours of Monday, February 17, 2025 invaded the assembly complex, confronting legislative workers, leading to pandemonium.
In a video spotted online, the DSS officials, dressed in black jackets and helmets and armed with weapons, engaged in a heated struggle with workers at the chamber’s entrance, disrupting proceedings.
Reacting to the development, the Acting Clerk of the house disclosed that ”the assembly called upon security agencies to ensure security, help maintain order and not seal off offices.”
In a letter dated February 14, 2025, with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, signed by the Acting Clerk of the House, A. Ottun, the speaker’s office reached out to security agencies in Lagos about “credible intelligence that indicated plans to forcibly reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, 2025.”
The office highlighted that such an attempt presented “a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.”
Reports indicted that the letter was sent to the DSS Director in Lagos and the heads of other security agencies in the state.
It read in part: “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises,” the letter stressed the urgent need to prevent any security breaches at the Assembly.
“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“We kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, February 16, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and as well observe strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.
“We look forward to your prompt attention Sir. Thank you.”