The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized the deployment of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.
In a statement shared on his X page, Atiku described the security presence as “utterly reprehensible” and emphasized that such actions should not be tolerated in a democracy.
“The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is utterly reprehensible and stands condemned,” he wrote.
Atiku called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, expressing concern over allegations that the operatives were enforcing a leadership change within the Assembly.
“This matter must be subjected to a full and thorough investigation. It is bewildering that the invading operatives reportedly had a mandate to enforce a leadership change in the House,” he stated.
He also criticized individuals who, despite previously presenting themselves as champions of democracy, now appeared to be undermining it.
“It is appalling that those who once claimed to have fought for democracy are now endorsing this blatant desecration of the state’s foremost legislative body, thereby endangering our hard-earned democracy,” Atiku said.
Describing the incident as a direct attack on Nigeria’s democratic principles, he warned that such actions threaten both the electoral process and governance.
“This act undermines the sanctity of democracy and is a grave insult to the Nigerian electorate, particularly the people of Lagos,” he remarked.
While acknowledging that leadership disputes are a normal occurrence in democratic systems, Atiku condemned the involvement of armed operatives in resolving parliamentary conflicts.
“Leadership crises within legislative bodies are not uncommon in a democracy. However, the use of armed security operatives to settle such matters is unacceptable and must be urgently addressed,” he said.
He further took aim at President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of interfering in state affairs instead of focusing on Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
“Tinubu should prioritize addressing the crises he has created in Nigeria rather than meddling in state matters,” Atiku added.
Meanwhile, the DSS has defended its deployment, stating that it acted upon an official request from the Assembly due to security concerns.
