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CHAOS IN LAGOS: DSS INVASION SPARKS TENSION AT STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

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CHAOS IN LAGOS: DSS INVASION SPARKS TENSION AT STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

 

In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, the Lagos State House of Assembly descended into chaos as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the premises. The invasion, reportedly authorized by the Assembly Clerk, led to heated confrontations, tears, and widespread condemnation from lawmakers.

 

The crisis unfolded when lawmakers, led by Speaker Mojisola Meranda, forcefully gained entry into the hallowed chamber to declare their support for her leadership. This development came amid rising tensions over attempts by ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to reclaim his position.

CHAOS IN LAGOS: DSS INVASION SPARKS TENSION AT STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

DSS INVOLVEMENT AND CLERK’S LETTER The Assembly Clerk, A. T. B. Ottun, had written to the DSS on February 14, 2025, requesting enhanced security at the Assembly complex due to concerns over Obasa’s potential return. The letter, titled “URGENT: ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES FOR LSHA PREMISES,” cited a “potential security threat to the Assembly and its members” and called for strict access control.

 

However, confusion erupted when DSS operatives sealed off key offices, including those of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, and the Acting Clerk, and restricted access to the legislative chamber. Assembly workers and lawmakers, shocked by the heavy presence of armed operatives clad in black jackets, helmets, and face masks, resisted the move, leading to tense confrontations.

 

MELEE IN THE CHAMBER The scheduled plenary, initially set for 11:00 a.m., was delayed until 12:51 p.m. Speaker Meranda, surrounded by security and assembly staff, was seen in tears as about 36 lawmakers and assembly workers rallied around her in solidarity. Despite the delays and heightened tensions, Meranda eventually presided over the seventh plenary since Obasa’s ousting.

 

LAWMAKERS SPEAK OUT During the plenary, multiple lawmakers condemned the DSS’s actions. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1), who raised a motion under Personal Explanation, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and hold those responsible accountable.

Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1) described the incident as a “rape of democracy,” while Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2) decried the DSS conduct as “unnecessary and unprofessional.” Oluwa added, “We were elected to represent the people. If we choose to elect a new leader, that is democracy. This does not justify harassment or assault on our legislative process.”

Other lawmakers, including Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu 1) and Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2), also expressed outrage, demanding thorough investigations and swift justice. Ogunleye said, “I never imagined a day when armed men would storm the Lagos Assembly. This is a blatant violation of democratic principles.”

 

ASSEMBLY CLARIFIES INVITATION TO DSS In a statement issued by Assembly spokesperson Kayode Ogundipe late Monday, the Assembly clarified its stance on the DSS presence.

 

“Earlier today, lawmakers and staff arrived to find key offices locked and the chamber sealed. While the Assembly did request security support from the DSS, at no point did we instruct them to invade the legislative chamber or lock offices,” the statement read. “The sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly was undermined today by actions that obstructed lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties.”

 

OBASA’S COURT ACTION AND POTENTIAL RETURN The crisis stemmed from Obasa’s removal by a majority of lawmakers on January 13, 2025, while he was on holiday in Atlanta, USA. He recently approached a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, challenging his ousting and seeking an accelerated hearing. Rumors of his possible return to the Assembly on February 18, 2025, fueled Monday’s security measures.

 

GOVERNANCE ADVISORY COUNCIL INTERVENES In response to the ongoing crisis, the Governance Advisory Council, the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, announced plans to meet with President Tinubu to address the situation.

 

CALLS FOR JUSTICE The lawmakers ended Monday’s session with a unanimous vote of confidence in Speaker Meranda’s leadership. Despite the indefinite adjournment of plenary, tensions remain high as the Assembly and Lagos residents await further developments.

With democracy and legislative integrity at stake, all eyes are now on President Tinubu and the DSS leadership to provide clarity and ensure justice is served in this unfolding political drama.

 

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Top Reps Aspirant, Abudu-Balogun Assures Constituents of Inclusive, Progressive Representation

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Top Reps Aspirant, Abudu-Balogun Assures Constituents of Inclusive, Progressive Representation

 

It is an incontrovertible fact that Watersiders should GET IT RIGHT this time around by overwhelmingly support this distinguished Watersider, Hon. Abudu-Balogun to emerge as the Candidate of APC for the Federal House of Representative in the 2027 elections.

Apart from being a respected politician among the creme-de-la-creme professionals in politics in Ogun State, and undoubtedly a prominent grassroots politician of Waterside extraction, Hon. Abudu-Balogun has seen it all in National politics that will be of great benefits to the Federal Constituency if eventually elected.

 

Hmmm! With the emergence of the distinguished Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the consensus Governorship candidate of APC in Ogun State, Waterside agitation for enduring developmental projects and its realisation like Deep Sea Port, assumption of Oil producing LGA via Eba Oil deposits, sustainable Electricity Supply would be a walk-over. This anaysis is predicated upon a scientifically established empirical evidence that Hon Abudu-Balogun is a sustainable Bridge between this Federal Constituency and the Powers that be at Federal level.

 

He has the competence, he posseses the Capacity, he has the cognate political experience, he has fortified the developmental blueprint, he has worked tirelessly, and earned the link to facilitate the expected developmental projects to this Federal Constituency.

 

Above all, Hon Abudu-Balogun has concluded political and economic arrangements to galvanise support in all respects from the main actors at the National and sub-national levels in the country for the tasks ahead.

 

TENI NI TENI. This is the time TIME FOR “ACTION” in the realisation of the enduring Developmental Agenda (that has been eluding us from time immemorial) for the entire Federal Constituency, particularly, our dear Ogun Waterside LGA.

 

Distinguished Watersiders, particularly, the comrade professional politicians and the astute Professionals in politics, please factcheck this. Hon Abudu-Balogun is a very popular and honoured politician in Ijebu-North LGA, he is cherished and respected professional in politics in Ijebu-East LGA, he is a consistently consistent rare breed politician in Waterside who has the interest of Waterside development at heart.

 

ACTION needs our support, he needs our endorsement at this political turning point of our dear LGA, the Wealth Side of Ogun State.

Iwe teni, iwe teni, iwe teni o.

Ajuse ri Dede Eni o.

Happy Sunday to us all.

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ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention

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ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention

 

 

ABUJA — Former Osun State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the party remains “unstoppable,” likening its rise to the inevitability of the sun, despite what he described as attempts by the ruling establishment to weaken opposition forces.

Speaking at the ADC’s 8th National Convention, Aregbesola said the party’s existence is rooted in the will of Nigerians and protected by the constitution, insisting that no political pressure or institutional interference could halt its progress.

“Just as no power can stop the sun from rising, so can the ADC not be stopped,” he told delegates.

Blasts Political System, Accuses Ruling Forces of Undermining Democracy

The ADC leader accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of actions he described as anti-democratic, alleging efforts to frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

He criticized what he termed the normalization of political “criminality,” arguing that recent political realignments and electoral practices undermine democratic integrity.

According to him, ADC does not owe its existence to any individual or institution but to Nigerians “tired of deceit and mismanagement.”

Harsh Assessment of Economy, Security, and Governance

Aregbesola painted a grim picture of the nation’s condition, citing economic decline, rising inflation, and worsening living standards.

He noted that the naira’s depreciation from about ₦700 to ₦1,400 per dollar reflects what he described as poor economic management, while fuel prices have surged significantly, making daily life difficult for citizens.

On security, he described the current situation as one of the worst in Nigeria’s history, raising concerns about increasing violence and what he called a lack of empathy from leadership in responding to national tragedies.

ADC Positions Itself as Nigeria’s “Rescue Mission”

The former minister said the ADC has, within months, transformed into a major opposition force, claiming it now represents the “hope of the Nigerian people.”

He outlined the party’s rapid structural expansion, ongoing membership drive, and efforts to build alliances with other opposition groups including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Aregbesola emphasized that the party is preparing to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections through what he described as a “united opposition front.”

Defends Party Leadership Changes, Convention Legitimacy

Providing details of internal restructuring, Aregbesola said the emergence of new leadership, including David Mark as caretaker national chairman, followed due constitutional process and was duly communicated to INEC.

He argued that the commission’s refusal to monitor the convention violates provisions of the Electoral Act, insisting that ADC fulfilled all legal requirements.

Alleges Persecution of Opposition Figures

The ADC leader further accused the government of using state institutions such as anti-corruption agencies and security services to intimidate opposition politicians.

He cited cases involving figures like Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, describing the trend as a dangerous signal for democracy.

Calls for United Front Ahead of 2027

Aregbesola concluded with a rallying call for Nigerians to support the ADC’s mission to restore “freedom, security, and prosperity,” warning against political apathy.

“A democracy without opposition is an autocracy,” he said, urging citizens to reject what he termed any attempt at political “coronation.”

Closing Note

The convention, themed “So that Nigeria will work for Freedom, Security and Prosperity,” brought together party delegates and stakeholders, marking a significant step in ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

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CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI

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CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI*

 

On behalf of our Grand Patron, Dr. Tunde Osinowo (Pepperito Jnr.), we leaders and Members of Ogun East for Yayi heartily congratulate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for being the consensus Governorship candidate of our party, APC, in the 2027 election.

This is marvelous and indeed great in the sight of God.

Without mincing words, the choice of Yayi by the party stakeholders is the best and the most surest assurance to coast the Party to victory at the general elections come February, 2027.

We commend the maturity, dispositions and spirit of sportsmanship with which all the Gubernatorial aspirants embraced the decision and extended hands of fellowship to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, the Gubernatorial Hopeful.

We beseech God to grant Yayi and all of us, leaders, followers and supporters, the enablements to see him duly elected as Governor of Ogun State at the general election in Jesus mighty name.

We congratulate the incoming Governor of Ogun State and our Excellency in waiting, Yayi.

This is Yayi O’clock.

Praise God!

Mo yo fun e, mo yo fun ra mi.

 

 

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