The Department of State Security (DSS) has released the detained members of the Lagos State House of Assembly after hours of interrogation over the speakership crisis in the parliament.
DSS had earlier on Thursday arrested two members of the House over their role in the impeachment of former speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa.
The lawmakers – Lanre Afinni of Lagos Island State Constituency 2 and his Epe State Constituency 2 counterpart, Sylvester Ogunkelu – were questioned by the DSS operatives for allegedly breaking into a House store where the mace was kept, enabling lawmakers to sit and impeach the former speaker.
In solidarity, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mojeed Fatai and other members stormed the DSS office to secure their colleagues’ release on Thursday morning.
The Chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Information, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, confirmed the lawmakers release to journalists on Thursday night.
He said the Assembly reaffirmed that Obasa’s removal was legal and followed due process.
Ogundipe said: “Today, members of the Lagos Assembly honoured an invitation from the Lagos DSS Command in Shangisha. We provided insights into the removal of the ex-speaker.
“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following his removal.
“The decision followed the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empower the Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without interference.
“Sections 92 and 96 outline the process for electing and removing the Speaker, and we adhered to due process.
“It is public knowledge that legislative autonomy allows state assemblies to conduct their business freely within designated chambers.”
He insisted that the former speaker’s removal was democratic and met the required legal majority.
He said any challenge to this lawful action undermines the constitutional authority granted to the Assembly.
The Assembly, according to the spokesman, exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of Lagos residents.
Ogundipe commended the DSS for its professionalism, especially the Lagos Command Director, for ensuring a smooth engagement.
He said the invitation allowed them to present their account of events in a professional and comfortable environment.