Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, sealing off the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House.
The action, which was carried out in the early hours of today, February 17, follows a legal suit over the interpretation of several constitutional provisions and the legitimacy of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s proceedings.
The application challenges the constitutionality of the sitting, held on January 13, 2025, in which the Speaker was allegedly impeached.
The suit contends that the sitting violated constitutional and legislative procedures, including the absence of a formal reconvening of the House by the Speaker or an authorized representative. It also argues that the session took place during a recess without the necessary legal steps to reconvene the House.
The application urges that the case be heard promptly to avoid disruptions to legislative activities in the state. The claimant seeks expedited hearing to address the legality of the ongoing sitting under the current leadership, asserting that it is crucial to resolve the issue swiftly in the public interest.
The applicant further requests the court to shorten the time for the defendants to respond to the summons and for the claimant to file any necessary replies, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. The court has been asked to grant accelerated hearing and expedite the proceedings in the interest of justice.
In a statement, Obasa, the applicant, affirmed that granting the application would not prejudice any party or result in injustice.
