SPEAKER’S OFFICE DENIES INVITING DSS TO SEAL OFF ASSEMBLY

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

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The office of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has clarified claims that the Assembly invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to take over the premises.

The clarification follows an incident on Monday, February 17, 2025, when armed DSS officers stormed the Assembly, preventing Speaker Mojisola Meranda and other lawmakers from holding a plenary session.

The situation led to commotion as staff and lawmakers forced open the chamber doors to proceed with the session. After about 35 minutes of deliberation, Speaker Meranda adjourned the session indefinitely.

An anonymous aide to the Speaker explained that the letter sent by the Assembly was misunderstood. It was a routine request for increased security following information that the removed speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, might attempt to resume on February 18, 2025, posing a security threat. The letter requested additional security personnel, not to seal off the offices or chambers.

The aide added, “The DSS action on Monday deviated from the original intent. They hijacked the situation, sealing off the legislative chamber and offices of some principal officers. It appears they received instructions from another source.”

The Assembly did not invite the DSS to seal the chamber or offices.