Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. Describing the incident as a blatant attack on democracy, Atiku called for a thorough investigation into the matter, warning that such actions jeopardize Nigeria’s hard-earned democratic principles.
The Invasion: A Threat to Democracy
On Monday, armed security operatives stormed the Lagos State Assembly complex, reportedly with a mandate to enforce a leadership change in the House. The invasion, captured in a viral video, has sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns about the misuse of state security apparatus to undermine democratic institutions.
Atiku, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, expressed his dismay at the incident, labeling it as “utterly reprehensible.” He emphasized that such actions have no place in a democratic society and must be thoroughly investigated to prevent future occurrences.
Atiku’s Statement: A Call for Accountability
In his statement, Atiku did not mince words in condemning the invasion. He questioned the motives behind the security operatives’ actions and criticized the alleged involvement of those who claim to be champions of democracy.
“The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is utterly reprehensible and stands condemned. It must be subjected to a full and thorough investigation,” Atiku wrote.
He further stated:
“It is bewildering that the invading operatives reportedly have a mandate to enforce a leadership change in the House. It is appalling that it is those who claimed to have fought for democracy that decided to sanction this crass desecration of the state’s foremost legislative body, and by so doing, putting our hard-earned democracy in jeopardy.”
A Broader Critique: Tinubu’s Role
Atiku also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of focusing on state-level political interference rather than addressing the pressing national issues facing Nigeria.
“Tinubu should focus on bringing Nigeria out of the mess he plunged the country into rather than interfering in state matters,” Atiku asserted.
This remark underscores the ongoing political tension between Atiku and Tinubu, who have been political rivals for decades. Atiku’s statement suggests that he views the Lagos Assembly invasion as part of a broader pattern of democratic backsliding under the current administration.
The Sanctity of Democracy Under Threat
Atiku emphasized that the invasion of the Lagos Assembly is not just an attack on the legislative body but also an affront to the Nigerian electorate, particularly the people of Lagos. He argued that leadership crises within democratic institutions are not uncommon and should be resolved through legal and constitutional means, not through the use of armed security forces.
“Whatever may have caused the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly is an undercurrent that is not abnormal in a system of democracy. The purported invitation of armed security operatives for a conflict resolution in a parliament is an anathema that should be frowned upon and interrogated with all sense of urgency,” he said.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Atiku’s condemnation of the Lagos Assembly invasion serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy. His call for a thorough investigation and accountability highlights the need to safeguard democratic institutions from undue interference and militarization.
As the nation grapples with political and economic challenges, Atiku’s warning resonates as a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize the preservation of democratic norms and the rule of law.
