NEWS
‘This is Not Gov’t By Gun’ – Lawmakers Decry DSS Invasion Of Lagos Assembly
The Lagos State House of Assembly descended into chaos on Monday as lawmakers and staff forced operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) out of the chamber after hours of tension.
The crisis unfolded around 12:25 p.m. when irate staff members, frustrated by the chamber’s closure, forcibly pushed open the doors while chanting solidarity songs.
The situation escalated as lawmakers attempted to regain control of proceedings.
READ ALSO: Lagos Assembly Crisis: Lawmakers Seek Tinubu’s Intervention
Despite the disorder, the Assembly formed a quorum and commenced plenary at 12:45 p.m.
However, the emotional toll of the incident was evident, as Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was seen sobbing and wiping away tears.
In the midst of the commotion, lawmaker Yinka Esho was reportedly injured and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
The Assembly members condemned the security operatives’ presence, describing it as a violation of legislative independence and a serious threat to democracy.
With 36 members in attendance, the House summoned the Lagos State Director of the DSS to explain the incident.
In addition, the lawmakers called on National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to launch an investigation into the invasion and disclose the findings to the public.
They also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to prevent further instability in the state legislature.
Lawmaker Abiodun Tobun strongly criticized the security operatives’ actions, stating, “This is not government by the barrels of a gun. What happened today is an aberration of democracy, a total embarrassment, and harassment.”
He added, “Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders.”
The House remained resolute in its stance, suspecting the involvement of influential figures behind the incident.
Despite the turmoil, the lawmakers reaffirmed their loyalty to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, vowing to resist any external interference in the Assembly’s affairs.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on President Tinubu and security authorities to address the crisis and restore order to the Lagos State legislature.
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has condemned the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other elected officials, describing it as damaging to Nigeria’s reputation.
Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed concern over the removal of elected leaders, stating that such actions send the wrong message about Nigeria’s democracy.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he remarked.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Senate Backs Tinubu’s Suspension Of Gov Fubara, Others
He acknowledged that former presidents typically avoid making public statements on political matters to prevent further tensions.
However, he said he decided to speak out due to increasing calls from Nigerians urging him to address the situation in Rivers State.
Jonathan also pointed out that a country’s ability to attract investment is closely linked to the conduct of its government institutions.
He criticized the influence of certain individuals over the judiciary, saying it weakens public confidence in the legal system.
A Nigerian Navy officer attached to the Defence Headquarters, Lt. Cynthia Akor, has been abducted by gunmen alongside two others in the Mpape area of Abuja.
The attack took place on Friday night at their residence.
According to a resident familiar with the situation, the kidnappers have reached out to the victims’ families, demanding a ₦100 million ransom for their release.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Abduct Four Female Students In Benue University
“Among the three people that were kidnapped on Friday night in the Mpape area is a DHQ official, Akor. The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and are demanding ₦100 million ransom,” the source revealed.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, were unsuccessful, as they had not responded to inquiries at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, stated that she would confirm the incident and provide further details.
However, she had yet to give any updates as of press time.
More to follow……..
The newly appointed Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has arrived in the state to formally assume office, expressing optimism about maintaining peace and stability.
Ibas landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Thursday, where he was received by top government officials and security personnel.
Upon arrival, he was accorded a guard of honour before proceeding to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
Accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, Ibas was conducted around the Government House before heading to the Executive Council Chamber.
There, he addressed Government House officials and service chiefs in a closed-door session.
Speaking briefly with journalists, the retired Vice Admiral, dressed in an all-white native attire, expressed confidence in the state’s stability and promised further engagements with stakeholders.
“I want to thank you all for what you have been doing so far. When I got in here, I decided to meet with the Head of Service and service commanders. I will have to meet them for formal briefing,” Ibas stated. “I assure you that later this evening, I will address you on some issues you want to know.”
Asked about his reception in the state, Ibas said, “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm. We just want Port Harcourt to get to where it has always been.”
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Gunmen Kidnap Navy Officer, Two Others In Abuja
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