The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for the release of three staff members who were arrested by security operatives.
It will be recalled that the three assembly staff members were arrested for interrogation over the incident that happened penultimate Monday, when the DSS stormed the House based on invitation.
At a briefing held on Tuesday in Lagos, the Chairman of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Babatunde Ogunlana, therefore, called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and relevant authorities for immediate intervention.
Ogunlana condemned the detention and trial of the three staff members, including a female currently being persecuted for doing their lawful duties.
“As a union on February 17, our staff members, the Sergeant at Arms department and a public affairs officer, who prevented the operatives from entering the chambers with their firearms were picked up last Friday on their way from work. The two of them, Adetu Adekunle and Adetola Oluwatosin, were intercepted around 7up area of Lagos and were allegedly whisked away by security operatives.
“On Saturday, a member of staff, Mr Ibrahim Adullakeem, was arrested in his home and taken to custody.
“They were detained on Friday and were released in the late night of Saturday. Only to be rearrested on Monday and charged to court.
“They were detained yesterday and taken to court on Tuesday morning.
“We cry out for justice for our members.
“The detained members include two Sergeants-at-Arms officers and Public Affairs Officer, were arrested.
“We condemn the arrest, detention and trial of the officers as abuse of power and gross violation of the rights of the staffers who were performing their statutory duties.
“As a union, we call for the immediate release of the detained staff members, and call on the authorities to institute a thorough investigation into their arrest and continued detention with a view to forestalling recurrence.
“Our labour- friendly governor should prevail on the relevant authorities for justice in this matter.
“Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Organised Labour to rise in defence of democracy and rule of law
“The continued detention of our members raises genuine concerns for the health and safety of the affected staff one of whom is asthmatic.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Honourable Stephen Ogundipe, commended the union for solidarity and patience in conducting themselves in an orderly manner.
Ogundipe expressed shock over the arrest and detention of the staff members.
He stated that efforts were made to speak with the staff members at the DSS office, adding that leaders at the national level were intimated on what was ongoing in the assembly.
The chairman urged them not to take laws into their hands, noting that they should conduct ourselves in a civil way.
