DSS Officials Storm Lagos Assembly: A Threat to Democracy - Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour
posted 17th February 2025
DSS Officials Storm Lagos Assembly: A Threat to Democracy..
Lagos, Nigeria – Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Lagos Governorship election, has strongly condemned the reported invasion and sealing of the office of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, by armed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The alleged militarization of the Assembly complex at Alausa has sparked widespread concern among political observers, civil society groups, and Lagosians at large.
In a statement, Rhodes-Vivour described this unprecedented display of force within the legislative chambers of Lagos State as a grave assault on democratic institutions and the fundamental principle of separation of powers. He asserted that the deployment of security personnel to intimidate elected representatives and interfere with legislative functions harks back to Nigeria’s darker periods under military rule and raises critical questions about the sanctity of democratic governance in the country.
"The Lagos State House of Assembly serves as the voice of the people, embodying the democratic aspirations of the state’s citizens. Any attempt to compromise its independence through coercion or intimidation must be firmly resisted by all well-meaning Lagosians," Rhodes-Vivour stated.
In light of these troubling developments, he called for the immediate withdrawal of DSS operatives from the Assembly complex and demanded a full public explanation regarding the legal grounds for this action.
"Without respect for due process and the independence of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous state of lawlessness. The protection of democratic institutions is paramount, and any actions that threaten their stability must be met with unwavering resistance," he warned.
As this situation unfolds, stakeholders and concerned citizens will be watching closely, urging the government to reaffirm its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
