The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly, stating it was invited by lawmakers to provide security. This follows concerns about a possible attempt to reinstate the impeached Speaker. The DSS assured its deployment was for maintaining order, not political interference.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has addressed concerns regarding its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly, stating that lawmakers officially requested security reinforcements due to potential threats.
Tensions escalated following reports that security forces had taken over key offices within the Assembly complex, including those of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. In response, the DSS clarified in a statement on Monday, February 17, that it did not forcefully enter the premises but was acting based on a formal request from the Assembly.
According to the DSS, the Assembly sent a letter on February 14, 2025, signed by Acting Clerk A.T.B. Ottun, warning of an attempt to reinstate the recently impeached Speaker. The letter claimed that this move, scheduled for February 18, could lead to unrest, necessitating urgent security measures.
The statement further explained that the DSS, alongside other security agencies, was tasked with maintaining order and restricting unauthorized access to the premises. Officials assured the public that their presence was solely for security purposes and not an attempt to interfere in political matters.
The deployment follows previous incidents of political instability in the Assembly, raising concerns about potential clashes. The DSS reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace while urging all parties to resolve disputes through legal and democratic means.
