By our Reporter
The Department of State Services has explained its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly, stating that its operatives were deployed at the lawmakers’ request to provide security at the complex.
Amid rising concerns over the security operation which involved the closure of offices belonging to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the DSS dismissed allegations that it had “stormed” the Assembly, emphasising that its deployment was in response to an official request from the Assembly itself.
In a statement issued on Monday, the DSS revealed that the request came via a letter dated February 14, 2025, in which the Assembly sought heightened security due to potential threats.
The statement partly read, “Contrary to reports by a section of the media that Department of State Services (DSS) officers stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, sealing offices of the Speaker and his deputy, it was the Assembly that invited security agents to maintain order.
“In a letter dated 14th February 2025, the Assembly management told security agencies in Lagos that there was credible information that plans were afoot to forcefully reinstate the impeached Speaker of the State Assembly on the 18th February 2025.
“This, noted the Assembly management, posed ‘a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.’
The DSS reassured the public that its actions were solely intended to maintain order and security at the Assembly, in line with the lawmakers’ request.
The DSS statement also included an excerpt from the letter, which was signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr A.T.B. Ottun, and addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos, as well as other security agencies in the state.
The letter read, “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.”
