Lagos State House of Assembly dismissed reports as inaccurate and misleading that claimed lawmakers were present as the police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse Makoko antidemolition demonstrators at Assembly complex.
Signed by the Hon. Ogundipe Stephen, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security
The Assembly issued a press release on Tuesday expressing concern about a publication entitled “Police teargas Makoko Anti-Demolition Protesters at Lagos Assembly; arrest activist Hassan Soweto and others”, which contained distortions as well as unverified statements that could incite public tension.
The House confirmed that the House was on official recess when the incident occurred, denying suggestions that the lawmakers had ignored the protest.
Ogundipe said that after receiving the information of the crowd at the Assembly Gate, he mobilised the four legislators who were in the complex to confront the protesters.
The statement states that lawmakers told the protesters the Assembly is on recess and offered them to interact with them in a peaceful manner at the entrance. They also assured the protesters their grievances will be documented and escalated via appropriate channels.
The protesters, however, allegedly refused dialogue at the entrance and demanded to enter the Assembly Complex, in violation of established security protocols.
It was further claimed by the Assembly that the unruly behavior of an activist named Taiwo Hassan (also known as Hassan Soweto) who was verbally abusive during the encounter escalated the situation.
In the statement, the activist was accused of making inflammatory remarks and defamatory comments towards lawmakers and the Police Commissioner Moshood Jimoh. This included unsubstantiated claims of murder.
The government stressed that security was strictly preventive, and the response wasn’t directed by legislators.
The statement stated that the Lagos State House of Assembly did not order teargas to be deployed, authorize arrests or use force against the protesters. It also said the lawmakers removed themselves from the gate at the request of the Police Commissioner in an effort to avoid escalation.
Assembly debunked the claims of live ammunition being used. They were described as sensational and false, with no evidence to back them up.
The House, in addressing the Makoko issue, noted that issues relating to safety of infrastructure, setbacks for power lines and demolitions are under the executive and regulatory authority.
The statement reiterated the commitment of the government to dialogue, humane engagement, and legal processes to address urban development issues, explaining that earlier assurances made on 15 January did not lead to a suspension in all demolitions.
While reaffirming its commitment to civic engagement through peaceful means and to the protection of democratic freedoms, it also warned that misinformation, intimidation and attempts to break into secured government buildings cannot be considered protest.
The letter urged the civil society and media to be accurate and restrained, while calling on all parties to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation.
Full Statement
Press Release/Official Rejoinder
Lagos State House of Assembly refutes misleading reports Makoko Protest Incident
Lagos State House of Assembly is concerned about a publication entitled “Police teargas Makoko Anti-Demolition Protesters at Lagos Assembly; arrest activist Hassan Soweto and others” attributed to Ishaya Ibrahim. The publication contains inaccuracies and distortions as well as unverified accusations that could mislead the public or inflame tensions.
In the interests of the truth, the public’s order and responsible journalism, this rejoinder was issued.
Assembly was on recess; protesters were still engaged*
It is important to clarify that, contrary to the insinuation that legislators “watched”, or ignored the incident, the Lagos State House of Assembly had been officially recessing at the time of this incident.
Upon receiving the information that protesters were gathering outside the Assembly Gate, the Hon. The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, (Otunba), Stephen Olukayode, called on four Honourable Members present in the complex, to act as goodwill ambassadors with the protesters.
Even outside of plenary sessions, this action shows the Assembly’s commitment to democracy and openness to dialog.
The protesters rejected dialogue and insisted on forcible access
When the protesters arrived at the Assembly’s main entrance, they were informed by the honourable members that:
The Assembly is on recess.
The engagement could take place peacefully in the entrance;
The grievances of the complainants will be documented properly and escalated accordingly.
The protesters, however, flatly refused dialogue at the entrance and demanded to gain access into the Assembly Complex, clearly violating established security protocols that govern legislative buildings.
The situation escalated when the unruly conduct and verbal abuse began.
The individual identified as Taiwo Hassan, (alias Hassan Soweto), became verbally and openly abusive during the encounter.
He used uncouth and defamatory language towards the Honourable Members who were present, as well as the Commissioner of Police CP Jimoh Moshood. The latter was on site solely in order to maintain law and safety.
The activist even went so far as to publicly accuse the Commissioner of murder by claiming that his “hands were and mouth was full of blood”, statements which are grave, irresponsible, and without evidence.
He openly questioned an honourable member, Hon. Tobun was arrogantly told to “shut-up” when he didn’t have anything “good to say”.
This type of conduct is hostile and provocative. It’s incompatible with peaceful protest.
The response to security was preventive, not legislative
Security operatives were tasked with protecting lives, critical infrastructure, and property as the crowd became more unruly.
The Lagos State House of Assembly did not:
You must order the use of tear gas;
Authorise arrests;
Use force only against those who are protesting.
On the recommendation of the Police Commissioner, the decision was made to remove the Honourable Member from the Gate to avoid physical confrontations and escalated tensions.
*False Claims of “Live Ammunition” and Lammaker’s Complicity*
It is not true, but sensational and unsupported, that the police used tear gas and live ammunition while lawmakers watched.
The use of live ammo was not witnessed by any Honourable Members, nor sanctioned. No credible evidence to support such an allegation has been provided.
Lagos State House of Assembly dissociates themselves categorically from any attempts to attribute falsely security decisions to its legislature.
*ON MAKOKO DEMOLITIONS & LEGISLATIVE POINT OF VIEW*
The House affirms:
Executive and regulatory powers are responsible for issues relating to safety of infrastructure, setbacks on power lines, and demolitions.
In addressing the challenges of urban development, The Assembly has always advocated for dialogue, humane engagement and legal processes.
The previous assurances given on January 15, were not intended to be a blanket directive of suspension, but rather a promise that intervention would take place through the appropriate legislative channels. This cannot happen during recess, without following due procedure.
*CONCLUSION*
Lagos State House of Assembly is committed to:
Peaceful civic engagement;
Protecting democratic rights
Only a respectful and orderly dialogue can lead to a lasting solution for conflict.
Intimidation, verbal assault, false information, and the attempt to break into secured government buildings cannot be justified as protest.
The Assembly calls for civil society and media organisations to be more responsible and accurate, while calling on all parties to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation.
E-Signed
Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode
Chairperson of the House Committee on Information, Strategy & Security
Lagos State House of Assembly
