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.
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.”
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation imposing a six-month suspension on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
The Senate’s decision followed a closed-door session that lasted over an hour, after which Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the resolution.
The Senate based its approval on Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136.
READ ALSO: Fubara Breaks Silence On Tinubu’s State Of Emergency In Rivers, Calls For Calm
During the plenary, Akpabio read out Tinubu’s official letter, which stated: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the consideration of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.”
The letter outlined the key aspects of the proclamation, including the suspension of the Rivers State government and the appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba as the state’s Administrator.
The Administrator will operate under direct instructions from the President.
“While I look forward to the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” Tinubu’s letter added.
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio committed it to the Senate Committee of the Whole for immediate passage.
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) then invoked Order 133, requesting a closed-door session.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to clarify that despite a minor incident at a section of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) earlier today, the plant remains operational and continues to produce on-spec refined petroleum products.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
This was disclosed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Wednesday night by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye.
The NNPC Ltd assures the public that there is no cause for concern, as all sections of the recently rehabilitated plant are in full operation, Soneye explained.
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