Human rights activist and litigation expert, Bimpe Olatemiju of Citi Lawyers Chamber, Ikeja, Lagos, said the Nigerian Constitution said the Department of State Service (DSS) was only to come in when there was a threat to state security, “not when there is an alleged crime.” She added that following this, the alleged “invasion by the DSS of the Ekiti State House of Assembly is an illegal act. It is an outright illegality on their own part, because they do not have the power to investigate crime. It is only the police that has that power to investigate crime. “I will encourage the Ekiti State House of Assembly to be bold and courageous in fighting this illegality. They should approach the court and let the court spell out the powers of the DSS. They should also approach the court to seek a restraining order against the DSS, so as to stop them from disturbing them in the course of discharging their lawful duty inside the hallowed chamber.” Another lawyer, Abayomi Sadiku, said: “The Ekiti State House of Assembly does not have to be disturbed while they are performing their lawful duty inside the hallowed chamber. If the law enforcement agents, which the DSS represents, have anything against them, they should invite them and not invade the House and disrupt their lawful duty as reported. But you know that the lawmakers do not have immunity as members of the executive do. “I wasn’t there, I don’t know whether it was an invasion but if that is what happened and also there were gunshots by the DSS as it was reported, that is a reckless act on the part of the DSS and cannot be supported by the Law. The DSS as a law enforcement agents have a duty of enforcing the law, but their duty cannot impugn on the duties of the legislative officers in the state. So, if it is an invasion, it is completely wrong and reckless.” A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Yusuf Alli, advised the Ekiti State lawmakers to go to court and seek legal protection, saying “I advise the Ekiti State lawmakers to go to court if they feel that their rights have been trampled upon. I don’t want to comment on the actions of the law enforcement agents until I have the facts. I don’t comment on speculative matters.” Another SAN, Mike Ozekhome, while condemning the arrest of the lawmakers inside the Assembly chambers by the DSS, described the action as illegal. He said: “Legally, the DSS is in charge of security matters of the country. I don’t understand why it will come to a hallowed chamber to arrest members of the House. “This act by the DSS is condemnable and the DSS is creating the impression that the present government is allergic to criticisms and opposition. It should allow plurality of ideas. “It seems this government is becoming intolerant to criticisms. It is not right to arrest lawmakers in a state, where the governor is known to be critical of the ruling government. It is a height of intolerance. President Muhammadu Buhari should call the DSS to order. What has happened in Ekiti is condemnable and dictatorial.” Ahmed Raji, however, cautioned on the rush to pass comments on the development, saying: “I think we should be careful before jumping into conclusion. We should have the full facts before us before making comments, because such comments may prejudice the case when the real facts emerge. Be that as it may, whoever is aggrieved by the action of any other party is advised to go to court and seek legal protection.” It will be recalled that officials of the DSS, on Friday, allegedly invaded the Ekiti Assembly Complex, allegedly shooting in the air as they took away four members of the House.]]>