Lagos State House of Assembly’s urgent call for intervention after three staff members were detained by the DSS, raising serious concerns over legislative independence and security protocols in Lagos.
The leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly has renewed its call for the immediate release of three of its staff members, who remain in custody following their arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS). The incident has raised serious concerns about the sanctity of legislative independence and the rule of law, and is being viewed as a critical juncture in the ongoing dialogue between state institutions and security agencies.
The series of events began on Monday, when a group of DSS operatives, reportedly acting on what they claimed was an invitation, stormed the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The unexpected incursion set off alarm bells among assembly members, igniting debates over the legality and propriety of such actions by the state security apparatus. Just a few days later, on Friday, three assembly staff members were arrested by the DSS for questioning related to the earlier incident. This abrupt intervention has not only left the detained staff in limbo but has also cast a shadow of uncertainty over the operational autonomy of the legislative arm of government.
At the center of the assembly’s response is Babatunde Ogunlana, Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Lagos Chapter. Addressing both assembly members and the media, Ogunlana underscored the gravity of the situation, asserting that the actions taken by the DSS were both unwarranted and an affront to democratic norms. “We demand the immediate release of our colleagues who have been detained without sufficient grounds,” he declared, emphasizing that the assembly would not tolerate what he described as an infringement on their institutional rights. The PASAN leadership has adopted a resolute slogan – “No Retreat, No Surrender” – symbolizing their unwavering determination to protect their members and uphold the integrity of the assembly. Ogunlana’s impassioned plea resonated with many within the legislative body, with several members voicing their support for the staff and calling for accountability from all stakeholders involved.
In a series of public statements, the assembly’s leadership has called on key figures to intervene in the unfolding crisis. Among those urged to take decisive action are Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Director-General of the DSS, and representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as well as other relevant authorities. The repeated appeals for intervention underscore a growing frustration over what many perceive as a breach of procedural norms and a potential abuse of power by the security apparatus. Observers note that the incident not only jeopardizes the safety and rights of the detained individuals but also risks setting a dangerous precedent for future interactions between state institutions. “It is imperative that all state organs, including security agencies, respect the boundaries and operational mandates of each institution,” commented a senior political analyst. “Failure to do so could lead to a slippery slope where the separation of powers is eroded, ultimately undermining democratic governance.”
While the DSS has maintained a cautious silence, stating only that their actions were “in line with standard security protocols,” the lack of detailed public clarification has fueled speculation and anger among assembly members and the general public alike. Critics argue that the absence of transparency only deepens mistrust and suggests that the actions may have been politically motivated. Local human rights advocates have joined the chorus of voices demanding clarity. “Any operation that targets legislative staff under dubious circumstances must be thoroughly investigated,” said a spokesperson for a local rights organization. “We stand ready to support all efforts aimed at ensuring justice and restoring confidence in our democratic institutions.”
The fallout from this incident is expected to reverberate well beyond the walls of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Political commentators have warned that if the situation is not handled with utmost sensitivity and transparency, it could escalate into a broader crisis of confidence in the state’s governance structures. The assembly’s call for intervention is seen by many as a critical moment for Lagos, testing the resilience of its institutions and the commitment of its leaders to democratic principles. As the drama unfolds, all eyes remain on Governor Sanwo-Olu and the DSS Director-General, who are under increasing pressure to provide a clear and unequivocal response. The detained staff members’ families, legislative allies, and civil society groups are watching closely, hopeful that swift and just action will restore not only the freedom of the detained individuals but also the integrity of a system that must serve the people without fear or favor.
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In the coming days, the situation is likely to remain a focal point of political debate, as stakeholders across the spectrum insist on accountability, transparency, and the unyielding protection of democratic rights. For now, the clarion call from the Lagos Assembly – “No Retreat, No Surrender” – stands as a rallying cry for justice in an era where the balance between state security and individual rights continues to be tested.
