Following its surprised invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly Monday, the Department of State Services (DSS) said it was there to maintain security at the invitation of the clerk of the house.
The DSS made reference to a letter dated February 14, 2025, signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun to justify its presence in the premises of the House of Assembly, where they clashed with workers and also sealed off the offices of the speaker Mojisola Merinda and the deputy speaker.
The letter, according to the DSS, cited credible information suggesting that plans were underway to forcefully reinstate the impeached Speaker of the Assembly on February 18, 2025, which could pose a security risk. The letter further noted that such an action could threaten the safety of the Assembly and its members.
The DSS statement included an excerpt from the letter, signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos and other security agencies in the state. The letter read:
“The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and observing strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”
