“Attack on democracy”
Lagos State House of Assembly suspends sessions after DSS invasion, lawmakers call it an "attack on democracy".
The Lagos State House of Assembly suspended plenary indefinitely after the State Security Services (DSS) personnel invaded its complex, sparking outrage. Lawmakers condemned the action as intimidation, with Speaker Mojisola Meranda calling it an “attack on democracy” and demanding an explanation. The invasion caused chaos, with staff and lawmakers clashing with DSS operatives before forcing the doors open. Lawmakers urged President Tinubu to intervene, labelling it a “national embarrassment.” The crisis stems from the 13 January removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over alleged financial misconduct.
The indefinite suspension of plenary sessions in the Lagos State House of Assembly has raised significant concerns about governance, legislative independence, and democratic stability in Nigeria. Plenary sessions serve as a vital platform for lawmakers to address pressing issues affecting their constituents, scrutinise executive actions, and pass critical legislation. Their suspension could delay the passage of bills, resolutions, and other legislative matters, ultimately affecting policy implementation and governance in Lagos State.
The immediate trigger for this suspension was the deployment of armed operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the legislative complex following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of financial misconduct. While the DSS has stated that its personnel were deployed at the request of the State Assembly rather than as part of an invasion, the move raises serious concerns about political interference, intimidation, and the erosion of democratic norms. Security forces within a legislative house are highly irregular and suggest an underlying power struggle rather than a response to genuine security threats.
This development is not without precedent. Similar incidents have occurred in Nigeria’s political history, most notably the 2018 DSS invasion of the National Assembly, which led to the dismissal of the DSS Director-General. If unchecked, such actions risk setting a dangerous precedent by undermining legislative independence and weakening democratic governance. Beyond the immediate crisis, suspending plenary sessions also weakens legislative oversight of the executive branch. Lawmakers play a crucial role in holding the government accountable, ensuring transparency, and advocating for the needs of their constituents. Without active legislative sessions, governance gaps may widen, reducing public trust in democratic institutions.
The broader implications of this crisis extend to Lagos State’s political stability. Given President Bola Tinubu’s strong influence in Lagos politics, his intervention is crucial in resolving the standoff. If federal and state authorities fail to address the situation transparently, it could increase political instability and further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The outcome of this crisis will depend on whether political actors prioritise democratic principles or allow partisan manoeuvring to dictate events. Ultimately, ensuring the independence and functionality of the Lagos State House of Assembly is paramount for effective governance and the rule of law.