Why Was the DSS Present at the Lagos State House of Assembly?

The Department of State Services (DSS) has provided an explanation for its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly. The agency stated that it was there to offer security services, not to take control of the Assembly. This comes after concerns were raised about the sealing of the offices of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The DSS emphasised that its involvement was at the request of the Lagos State House of Assembly. According to a statement released by the DSS, the Assembly had sent a formal request on February 14, 2025, asking for security reinforcement. 

This request was based on credible threats that there were plans to unlawfully reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, which could compromise the safety of the members and disrupt the Assembly’s operations.

The request detailed in a letter from the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, specifically asked for an increased security presence starting February 16, to ensure thorough monitoring and control of access points around the Assembly premises.

The DSS reassured the public that its actions were strictly in response to this request, aimed at ensuring safety and order within the Assembly grounds as per the lawmakers’ wishes.