LSHA Speaker, Meranda
By Tony Ezimakor, Abuja
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Amid the confusion that trailed the activities of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A. T. B. Ottun has clarified that it was the Assembly that actually invited the security operatives.
This is contrary to reports by a section of the media that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, sealing off offices of the Speaker and his deputy.
The Acting Clerk explained the Assembly Management had in a letter dated 14th February,2025 has actually invited the DSS and other security agencies in the State to beef up security in and around the Assembly.
He said the invitation followed credible information of plans by unidentified group to forcefully reinstate the impeached Speaker of the State Assembly on the 18th February, 2025.
Accordingly, he said the Assembly management sensed “a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members”, and decided to invite security operatives.
The letter, which bore reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323,
was signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A. T. B. Ottun. It was addressed to the DSS Director in the State, as well as the heads of other security agencies in Lagos State.
Entitled URGENT: ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES FOR LSHA PREMISES, the Acting Clerk wrote: “I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action.
The letter was addressed to the
“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume to office on the 18th of February, 2025, as the Speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and
its members.
“In light of this situation,” continued the Clerk, “we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises
with effect from Sunday 16* February, 2025 by increasing the presence of your Men and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”
He concluded this, “we look forward to your prompt attention Sir. Thank you.”
Reports earlier on Monday claimed that men of the DSS invaded the Lagos State House of Assembly and sealed off the offices of the Speaker and his deputy, situation the Assembly has now clarified.
It can be recalled that security operatives had blocked access to key offices in the complex, including those of the Speaker and the Clerk of the House. Lawmakers and staff were also restricted.
This led to chaos with the lawmakers eventually able to convene a session. During the plenary, they strongly condemned the invasion of the Assembly by security operatives, calling it an attack on democracy.
The lawmakers also passed a vote of confidence in Speaker Mojisola Meranda. The Assembly also resolved to suspend the session indefinitely.
The Speaker was also seen in tears during the invasion.
A video circulating online shows Speaker Meranda visibly emotional as her supporters cheered her.
The crisis at the Assembly comes amid the ongoing crisis following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa Obasa January 13, 2025 over allegations of financial misappropriation, among others.
