There was drama in the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, as lawmakers and staff sent men of the Department of State Security, DSS, away from th
There was drama in the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, as lawmakers and staff sent men of the Department of State Security, DSS, away from the chamber after shutting it for several hours.
At about 12:25 pm, irate staff forced the chamber’s doors open, chanting solidarity songs.
The entire place was in disarray when lawmakers decided to sit in the chamber.
At about 12:45 pm, the lawmakers, after forming a quorum, commenced plenary for the day.
Mojisola Meranda, the speaker of the house was seen sobbing intermittently and mopping up her tears.
A lawmaker, Yinka Esho, was said to have been rushed to the hospital for treatment following the melee.
Meanwhile, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have described the invasion by the DSS, and Nigeria Police as rape, aberration on democracy and national embarrassment.
At its plenary, the House, with 36 members in attendance, called on the state’s Director of DSS to explain the reasons for the invasion.
The House also called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to probe the invasion and brief the public on the outcome.
The house also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and rescue the assembly from a deeper crisis.
Some lawmakers condemned the act in strong terms, describing it as an abuse of legislative procedure and an aberration of democracy.
A member, Abiodun Tobun, said, “This is not government by barrels of gun. This is an aberration of democracy. Bringing in anarchy, that is what they have done today. It is a total embarrassment and harassment. Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker. Nobody can remove you.”
However, members of the House of Assembly were unanimous on their stance, as they suspected the involvement of some powerful, influential individuals and groups in the whole saga.
