Rhodes-Vivour demands DSS withdrawal from Lagos Assembly

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 Lagos State elections, has called for the immediate withdrawal of armed Department of State Services (DSS) operatives from the Lagos State House of Assembly complex.

This follows reports of DSS agents storming and sealing the office of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, and the alleged intimidation of Assembly members at the complex in Alausa. Security vans and personnel were observed both inside and outside the premises of the Lagos Assembly complex.

Reacting to the incident, Rhodes-Vivour, who shared his concerns on X, described the incident as “deeply troubling” and demanded a public explanation for the legal justification behind the DSS action.

Rhodes-Vivour said, “This brazen display of force at our state’s legislative chamber represents a dangerous assault on democratic institutions and the principle of separation of powers.

“The deployment of security forces to intimidate elected representatives and interfere with legislative functions is reminiscent of our dark days under military rule and has no place in a democratic society.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly is the people’s house—a symbol of our democratic values and aspirations. All well-meaning Lagosians must resist any attempt to undermine their independence through intimidation tactics.

“Therefore, I call for the immediate withdrawal of DSS operatives from the Assembly complex and demand a full public explanation of the legal basis for this action.

“Without respect for established democratic processes and the independence of the Lagos State House of Assembly, we risk a shameful descent into anarchy.”