The Lagos State House of Assembly has provided clarity regarding the presence of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives at its complex in the early hours of Monday, February 17, 2025. Addressing the controversy, the Acting Clerk of the Assembly emphasized that the security agencies were invited to “ensure security, help maintain order and not seal off offices.”
The clarification follows a letter dated February 14, 2025, signed by the Acting Clerk, A. Ottun, in which the Assembly’s management informed security agencies of “credible intelligence that indicated plans to forcibly reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, 2025.” The letter further underscored that such an attempt posed “a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.”
Sent to the DSS Director in Lagos and other security agencies, the letter, referenced LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, was titled “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises.” It stressed the need to prevent any security breaches, warning of possible disruptions if urgent steps were not taken.
“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members,” the letter read.
It went on to request heightened security measures, stating: “We kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, February 16, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and as well observe strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.
“We look forward to your prompt attention Sir. Thank you.”
The statement by the Assembly underscores that the presence of security personnel was a precautionary measure to maintain stability, not an aggressive takeover, as speculated by some reports.
