Atiku Condemns DSS Invasion of Lagos Assembly, Calls for Probe

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the presence of operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing it as an “utterly reprehensible” act. Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, called for a thorough investigation into the incident, stating that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday, February 17, 2025, Atiku expressed outrage over reports suggesting that the security operatives were deployed to enforce a leadership change within the Assembly. He criticized individuals who once positioned themselves as pro-democracy advocates but now appear to be complicit in actions that threaten democratic governance. He warned that such interference could set a dangerous precedent and erode public confidence in the country’s electoral and governance systems.

DSS Defends Its Presence at the Lagos Assembly

In response to the allegations, the DSS clarified that its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly was at the official request of the Assembly’s leadership. According to a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk, Abubakar Ottun, the Assembly had sought enhanced security amid intelligence reports of a planned forceful reinstatement of the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The DSS stated that its deployment was solely to maintain peace and order, not to interfere in the Assembly’s internal affairs.

The agency dismissed claims of an invasion, emphasizing that security operatives were deployed to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order. The DSS also urged the public to disregard misinformation and reassured Nigerians of its commitment to upholding the rule of law. However, despite this explanation, opposition figures, civil society organizations, and Assembly members continued to criticize the security deployment, calling it excessive and politically motivated.

Tension and Chaos at the Assembly Complex

The situation at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday was marked by tension and chaos, as reports emerged of DSS operatives and police officers sealing off the Speaker’s office. Lawmakers and Assembly staff were seen forcing open the doors in an attempt to gain access, leading to a heated confrontation. During the plenary session, Speaker Mojisola Meranda was visibly emotional, reflecting the turmoil surrounding the incident.

One lawmaker, Yinka Esho, was reportedly rushed to the hospital after being caught in the melee. Some Assembly members described the presence of security forces as an “aberration of democracy” and called for urgent intervention. The lawmakers also condemned what they termed an illegal attempt to intimidate the legislative body, urging the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the incident and take corrective action.

Atiku Slams Tinubu for Meddling in State Affairs

Beyond condemning the security deployment, Atiku Abubakar took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of interfering in state matters instead of addressing pressing national challenges. He alleged that Tinubu’s administration had failed to focus on Nigeria’s economic and security crises while engaging in political maneuvering at the state level.

“Tinubu should focus on bringing Nigeria out of the mess he plunged the country into rather than interfering in state matters,” Atiku said. His remarks echoed concerns from opposition parties and civil society groups who have accused the presidency of centralizing power and attempting to control state legislatures through security agencies.

Atiku further stressed that leadership disputes within legislative bodies are not unusual in a democracy but should be resolved internally without the involvement of armed security operatives. He maintained that allowing such actions to persist would weaken the independence of democratic institutions and set a dangerous precedent for future political conflicts.

Call for Investigation and Protection of Democracy

Following the commotion at the Assembly, there have been widespread calls for an independent probe into the security deployment. Opposition leaders, human rights organizations, and lawmakers have demanded transparency in handling the situation and urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable.

The PDP, in a separate statement, also condemned the DSS action and warned that Nigeria’s democracy was at risk if security agencies continued to be used as tools for political control. Analysts have pointed out that the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos Assembly, which began with the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, highlights deeper political tensions within the state.

Atiku Abubakar’s strong condemnation underscores growing concerns over the role of security agencies in Nigeria’s political landscape. Many Nigerians are now watching closely to see whether the federal government will heed the calls for an independent investigation or whether the controversy will deepen existing political divisions in the country.