Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

The crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated following the arrest and detention of two lawmakers by Department of State Security (DSS) agents.

Two Lagos lawmakers, Hon. Lanre Afinni and Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu, were being interrogated by police in connection with the crisis that resulted in the removal of former State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

This came when members of the parliament reaffirmed that Obasa was dismissed, despite his attempts to reclaim the leadership of the house.

The Lagos Assembly has been in the headlines since January 13th, when Obasa was dismissed by a majority of members and replaced with the previous Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, while Obasa was away in the United States.

Members of the Assembly who accepted an invitation from the DSS’s Lagos Command in Shaginsha, according to Hon Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, attended the DSS to provide insight into the scenario surrounding the former speaker’s departure.

“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following the removal of the former Speaker.

“The decision was made in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empower the State Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without external interference.

“Sections 92 and 96, outline the process for the election and removal of the speaker, and due process was followed in our decision. It is also in public knowledge that legislative autonomy was granted to State Assemblies, ensuring that elected representatives can conduct their business freely within the chambers assigned to them.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly, as an independent arm of government, has exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of the people of Lagos.

“The decision to remove the former Speaker was made through a democratic process, with the required majority as stipulated by law. Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution.

“We commend the professionalism of the DSS office in their friendly invitation. We appreciate the Lagos DSS Command, especially the Director, for ensuring a smooth and respectful engagement. The process allowed us to give a clear recount of events in a comfortable and professional environment.

“All members of the Assembly earlier detained have now regained their freedom.

“We reiterate our commitment to legislative duties that serve the interests of Lagosians, ensuring effective governance and the continued development of the state. We call on all stakeholders, including the executive arm and the public, to respect the sanctity of legislative proceedings and refrain from undue interference.

Meanwhile, a group known as Lagosians and Concerned Citizens (LCC), in a statement titled, “The Strangulation of Democracy By Evil Forces: A Call to Protect Lagos Legislature,” signed by Omoba Murphy Ajibola, condemned the developments, citing the politicians’ imprisonment as particularly disturbing.

Hon. Lanre Affinih, who was also summoned for questioning, was later released on medical grounds, and Hon. Temitope Adewale (Jah) has also been summoned.

According to the group, these activities looked to be part of a larger campaign aimed at pressuring the Assembly to overturn Obasa’s expulsion.

They said that powerful individuals were arranging these arrests to influence legislative choices, saying that such involvement jeopardises the sovereignty of the Legislature and the democratic process itself.

“This orchestrated campaign against elected representatives is not just an attack on individual lawmakers; it is an assault on democracy.

“The Legislature exists to check executive power and represent the people. When lawmakers are intimidated or arrested under questionable circumstances, democracy is at risk,” the group stated.

The group also cautioned that if Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and political nerve core, succumbs to such alleged power play, it will create a hazardous precedent for the country’s democracy.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.