NEWS
Who Ordered DSS? Lagos Assembly Denies Requesting Security Takeover
The Lagos State House of Assembly has clarified reports suggesting that it invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to take over its premises, following an incident on Monday, February 17, 2025.
Recall that Armed DSS operatives had stormed the Assembly complex, preventing Speaker Mojisola Meranda and other lawmakers from holding a plenary session.
The situation led to chaos as lawmakers and staff forced open the chamber doors to proceed with the session.
READ ALSO: ‘This is Not Gov’t By Gun’ – Lawmakers Decry DSS Invasion Of Lagos Assembly
After about 35 minutes of deliberation, Speaker Meranda adjourned the sitting indefinitely.
An aide to the Speaker, who spoke anonymously, explained that the Assembly’s letter to security agencies was misinterpreted.
The request was for increased security following intelligence that the removed Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, might attempt to return on February 18, posing a potential security risk.
“The DSS action on Monday deviated from the original intent. They hijacked the situation, sealing off the legislative chamber and offices of some principal officers. It appears they received instructions from another source,” the aide said.
The Lagos Assembly maintains that it did not invite the DSS to seal the complex, raising concerns about the agency’s intervention and the source of its directives.
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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