TheCable

The house of representatives has given Lawal Daura, director-general of the Department of State Service (DSS), 48 hours to appear before it and explain the alleged invasion of the Ekiti state house of assembly by the DSS.

The summon followed the unanimous adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance moved by Leo Ogor, minority leader, on Tuesday.

Presenting the motion, Ogor condemned the action, saying such interference violated the principle of separation of powers.

“It is a clear violation of the provisions of the constitution; it is unacceptable as it demonstrates interference with an arm of government,” he said.

“If somebody violates the law and nothing is done, it gives him the privilege to move forward.

“Therefore, it is important that we summon the director-general of the DSS to explain where the agency derives its powers to invade and destabilise the activities of the house.

“It is important to respect the rule of law and the sanctity of this institution must remain sacrosanct.”

Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house, referred the matter to committee on public safety and intelligence for further legislative action.

Last Friday, DSS operatives raided the assembly and arrested four lawmakers.