For Immediate Release
Abuja
18.02.25
INVASION OF LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SECURITY SERVICES: A DESECRATION OF DEMOCRATIC CHAMBER
CLEEN Foundation a civil society organization committed to democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental freedoms, is strongly concerned with the recent storming of the Lagos State House of Assembly by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigeria Police in the early hours of Monday, 17th February 2025. This unexpected incursion has raised numerous questions about the respect and adherence to democratic principles, which are fundamental to maintaining the rule of law and the separation of powers in our governmental structure. Democracy thrives when institutions are allowed to function independently, free from intimidation and coercion.
The reported sealing of the offices of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker, and the Clerk of the House, as well as the deployment of armed security personnel around the Assembly premises, raises serious concerns about the independence of the Lagos state legislature and the undue interference of security agencies in democratic governance. The presence of DSS operatives within the legislative premises, conducted without transparent communication or the visible necessity of such a measure, threatens to set a troubling precedent for the relationship between security agencies and legislative bodies across the nation.
The forceful occupation of the Assembly premises, amidst ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, is a dangerous precedent that threatens the sanctity of the democratic processes and the rule of law. While we acknowledge the responsibility of security agencies to maintain law and order, their actions must remain within constitutional and legal limits, ensuring that democratic institutions are not undermined.
Call to Action:
CLEEN Foundation urges security agencies to exercise caution and avoid being misused as instruments to undermine democratic processes and structures by taking the following actions:
- CLEEN Foundation calls for caution and professionalism. Security agencies must provide a clear legal basis for their actions and ensure that security deployments do not obstruct democratic functions.
- Respect for the Rule of Law. All parties involved should allow due legal processes to take their course without intimidation or coercion.
- Independence of the Legislature: The Lagos State House of Assembly must be allowed to function without undue interference from security agencies or external political influences.
In conclusion, we urge all democratic stakeholders—including the Federal and Lagos State governments, and the Judiciary—to uphold the integrity of democratic institutions. Nigeria’s democracy must not be compromised by the abuse of security forces for political gain.
Peter Maduoma
Ag. Executive Director