Follow Us on Google
By Lukman Olabiyi
The Lagos State House of Assembly has dismissed reports alleging that police teargassed Makoko anti-demolition protesters at the Assembly complex and arrested activists under the watch of lawmakers, describing the claims as misleading and inaccurate.
In an official rejoinder signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Hon Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, the Assembly faulted a publication titled “Police teargas Makoko anti-demolition protesters at Lagos Assembly, arrest activist Hassan Soweto, others”, credited to Ishaya Ibrahim.
According to the Assembly, it was officially on recess at the time of the incident and therefore could not have ignored or “watched” events as alleged.
The statement explained that despite the recess, Hon Ogundipe mobilised four other lawmakers who were present within the Assembly complex to engage the protesters at the gate.
The House said the lawmakers informed the protesters that the Assembly was not sitting, but offered to engage them peacefully at the gate, document their grievances and escalate the matter through appropriate channels.
However, the protesters reportedly rejected dialogue at the gate and insisted on gaining access into the Assembly premises, which the House said violated established security protocols.
The statement further alleged that the situation escalated due to the unruly conduct of one of the protest leaders, Taiwo Hassan, also known as Hassan Soweto, who was accused of verbally abusing lawmakers and the Commissioner of Police, CP Owonikoko.
The Assembly claimed that Hassan made defamatory and inflammatory statements, including accusing the police commissioner of murder, and openly challenged and insulted an Honourable Member during the engagement.
Other News
As tensions rose and attempts were allegedly made to force entry into the complex, security operatives intervened to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The Assembly stressed that security actions taken at the scene were preventive and solely within the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
It categorically denied ordering the deployment of teargas, authorising arrests, or directing the use of force against protesters. The lawmakers, it said, withdrew from the gate on the advice of the Commissioner of Police to avoid physical confrontation.
The House also rejected claims that live ammunition was used during the protest or that lawmakers witnessed or sanctioned such action, describing the allegation as false and sensational.
On the issue of demolitions in Makoko and other waterfront communities, the Assembly reiterated that matters relating to infrastructure safety, power-line setbacks and demolitions fall under executive and regulatory authorities. It maintained that it has consistently advocated dialogue, humane engagement and lawful processes in addressing urban development challenges.
The Assembly clarified that assurances given to protesters during an earlier engagement on 15 January were not a directive suspending demolitions, but a commitment to legislative intervention through due process, which could not occur during recess.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful civic engagement and democratic rights, the House cautioned that intimidation, verbal abuse, misinformation and attempts to breach secured government facilities cannot be justified under the guise of protest.
It also urged civil society organisations and the media to exercise restraint, accuracy and responsibility in their reporting.
