By Abigail Philip David
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized the deployment of operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.
In a statement shared on his X account, Atiku described the incident as “utterly reprehensible” and warned that such actions undermine democratic principles.
“The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is deeply troubling and must be condemned,” he stated.
Atiku called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, particularly allegations that the security personnel were enforcing a leadership change within the Assembly.
“This matter requires a full and thorough probe. It is alarming that security operatives were reportedly sent to impose a leadership shift in the House,” he said.
He further criticized those behind the operation, pointing out the irony of individuals who once championed democracy now engaging in actions that threaten it.
“It is disgraceful that those who once claimed to fight for democracy have sanctioned this blatant violation of a state’s legislative institution, endangering our democratic process,” Atiku added.
Labeling the incident as a direct assault on democracy, he warned that such interference could erode public trust in governance and the electoral system.
“This act is an affront to democratic values and an insult to the electorate, particularly the people of Lagos,” he said.
While acknowledging that leadership disputes are part of any democracy, Atiku stressed that resolving such matters with armed security operatives is unacceptable.
“Leadership disagreements within a parliament are not uncommon in democratic systems,” he noted. “However, deploying armed security forces to address such conflicts is a dangerous precedent that must be urgently scrutinized.”
He also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of interfering in state affairs rather than focusing on the country’s broader challenges.
“Tinubu should concentrate on addressing Nigeria’s economic and security crises instead of meddling in state matters,” Atiku stated.
Meanwhile, the DSS has defended its actions, claiming that its presence at the Assembly was in response to an official security request.
