Lagos Assembly invited DSS for protection,  not to seal offices – Acting Clerk

Lagos State House of Assembly has issued a clarification on what led to the invasion of the assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the early hours of Monday, February 17, 2025.

In his reaction to the public outrage, the Acting Clerk, , said, “The assembly called upon security agencies to ensure security, help maintain order and not seal off offices.”

In a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk of the House, A. Ottun, the Assembly management had informed security agencies in Lagos about “credible intelligence that indicated plans to forcibly reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, 2025.”

The management noted that such an attempt presented “a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.”

The letter, with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, was sent to the DSS Director in Lagos and the heads of other security agencies in the state.

It read in part: “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises,” the letter stressed the urgent need to prevent any security breaches at the Assembly.

“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

“We kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, February 16, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and as well observe strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”