Lagos: DSS detains 2 lawmakers over Obasa’s impeachment

Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, yesterday, arrested and detained two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Messrs Lanre Afinni and Sylvester Ogunkelu at their office in Magodo, Lagos.

A member of the Assembly, who spoke anonymously disclosed that the two lawmakers are facing interrogation in connection with the removal of Mr Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.

Obasa was removed as Speaker by 35 members on January 13 and replaced with the former Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

In solidarity with their colleagues, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Mojeed Fatai and other lawmakers stormed the DSS office to secure the release of the detained lawmakers.

Meanwhile, a socio-political group, the Concerned Citizens of Lagos, yesterday, decried the systematic attempt to undermine democracy in the state.

The group’s reaction followed the alleged arrest and detention of some members of the Assembly.

The group, in a statement by Mr Murphy Ajibola, on behalf of the group, said: “These actions appear to be part of a broader strategy to pressure the Assembly into overturning the removal of former Speaker.

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“This orchestrated campaign against elected representatives is not just an attack on individual lawmakers; it is an assault on democracy.

“The Legislature exists to check executive power and represent the people. When lawmakers are intimidated or arrested under questionable circumstances, democracy is at risk.”