The Lagos State House of Assembly has dismissed reports alleging that lawmakers ignored or sanctioned the use of force during a protest by residents of Makoko at the Assembly complex.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the House described claims that police teargassed protesters and arrested activist, Hassan Soweto as misleading, saying the reports were riddled with “inaccuracies, distortions and unverified allegations.”
The Assembly clarified that it was officially on recess at the time the protest took place.
According to the statement, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, led four lawmakers to the Assembly gate to engage the protesters.
“This action alone demonstrates the Assembly’s openness to dialogue and its commitment to democratic engagement,” the statement said.
The lawmakers, it added, informed the protesters that the House was on recess, offered to engage them peacefully at the gate, and assured them that their grievances would be formally documented.
However, the Assembly claimed the protesters rejected the offer and insisted on gaining access into the Assembly complex, an action it said contravened established security protocols.
The statement further accused activist Hassan Soweto of becoming “openly confrontational and verbally abusive,” alleging that he made “grave, reckless and unsupported accusations” against the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
The House maintained that all security measures taken during the incident were the sole responsibility of the police and not the lawmakers.
“At no point did the Lagos State House of Assembly order the deployment of teargas, authorise arrests, or direct any use of force,” the statement said.
It also denied allegations that live ammunition was used, describing such claims as “false, sensational and unsupported.”
On the issue of demolitions in Makoko, the Assembly noted that such matters fall within the purview of the executive arm of government, but reiterated its support for “dialogue, humane engagement and lawful processes.”
The House urged the media and civil society organisations to ensure accurate reporting and appealed for dialogue rather than confrontation in addressing public grievances.
