Bedlam in Lagos Assembly following DSS, Police Invasion

It was bedlam at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday following invasion by officials of the DSS and the Nigeria Police, sparking outrage among the lawmakers.  The invasion occurred during a plenary session where 36 members were present.  The lawmakers immediately condemned the action, describing it as an attack on democracy and an embarrassment to the country. The Assembly demanded an explanation from the Director of the Lagos DSS, asking why the security forces took such drastic action.  They also called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to look into the matter and provide a detailed report to the public.  Additionally, the lawmakers appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the situation from worsening. The lawmakers expressed strong disapproval of the invasion, arguing that it was an attempt to disrupt the legislative process and undermine the state’s democratic institutions.  They also reaffirmed their loyalty to the Speaker, emphasizing that no one could force them to remove him from office. Suspecting that influential individuals or groups may be responsible for the invasion, the lawmakers insisted on a full investigation to uncover those behind it.  They made it clear that they will not allow such actions to diminish the independence of the legislature or threaten democratic governance in the state.

Impeachment: Lagos Assembly offers the olive branch

The  Lagos State House of Assembly has pledged harmonious relationship with the executive arm of government. The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe (APC- Oshodi/Isolo I) ,made the pledge in an interview with journalists on Monday in Lagos. Mr. Ogundipe  made the pledge following the impeachment of Mr Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker on Monday. A total of 32 out of the 40 lawmakers ,at an emergency plenary, impeached Obasa via voice votes  over alleged gross misconduct. The Assembly subsequently elected and swore in  Deputy Speaker ,Mrs Mojisola Meranda (APC-Apapa I) to replace Obasa. READ ALSO: Air Peace Air fairs: Keyamo lashes out at FCCPC The House also suspended the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Olalekan Onafeko,indefinitely during the plenary. Ogundipe said under the new Speaker, the Assembly would ensure the executive arm of government ,led by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu,,  enjoy the support of the legislature. The lawmaker said a good  relationship between the executive and legislature was necessary to achieve  the  development goals of the  current administration in the state. According to him, the new Speaker has shown commitment and passion to collaborate with other arms of government, especially the executive, for the success of the administration . READ ALSO: Kano Emirate Tussle: Kingmaker appeals Court of Appeal judgement “Today,  there was a change of leadership in the Lagos State House of Assembly as the former  Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, was removed and his former  deputy ,Mrs Mojisola Miranda ,was  elected as new Speaker. “There is no division in the House over the development .All members have pledged allegiance to the new Speaker, Mrs  Mojisola Meranda , and she has since settled down in office. “She has assured of legislature’s  harmonious working relationship with the executive and that all hands must be on deck to ensure continued  development  of  the state,” Ogundipe said.