The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified the reason behind the presence of its operatives at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, amid an ongoing leadership crisis.
The security agency stated that its personnel were deployed at the request of the Assembly’s officials to bolster security at the complex.
Chronicles Reporters earlier reported that heavily armed operatives from the DSS and the Nigerian Police stormed the Assembly premises, sealing the office of the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
In addition to Meranda’s office, DSS operatives also secured the offices of the Deputy Speaker and the Clerk of the House.
According to reports, the security operatives acted under the directive of the recently ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and took control of the Assembly premises at around 10 a.m. in Alausa, Ikeja.
In an official statement released on Monday, the DSS confirmed that their presence followed a formal request from the Assembly, dated February 14, 2025. The request specifically asked for heightened security due to potential threats.
The letter, as referenced by the DSS, contained intelligence suggesting an attempt to forcefully reinstate the impeached Speaker, Obasa, on February 18, 2025. The agency warned that such a move could pose significant security risks.
The letter further highlighted concerns over the safety of the Assembly members and the complex.
It read in part: “The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and observing strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”
Chronicles Reporters also reported that members of the Lagos State House of Assembly had already passed a vote of confidence in Mojisola Meranda as the substantive Speaker.
The lawmakers publicly declared their support for Meranda amidst speculation that she might step down.
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