Former General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), has expressed his strong disapproval of the recent takeover of the Lagos State House of Assembly by security agents, labeling the action as an abuse of power.
In a statement made on Monday following the unprecedented actions that saw the offices of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Clerk of the Assembly occupied by security forces, Olanrewaju called on indigenes of Lagos State to unite in defense of their heritage.
He emphasized the need for solidarity, urging the citizens to safeguard the political integrity and legacy of their state.
“Our political institutions have developed significantly over the decades, and we cannot allow ourselves to regress,” Olanrewaju stated.
He expressed concern over the current political climate, arguing that one of the greatest deficits in developing countries like Nigeria is the relative weakness of the rule of law.
“Effective legal institutions are among the most challenging components of a contemporary state to establish and maintain,” he added.
Olanrewaju stressed the importance of allowing the rule of law to guide the ongoing tussle for the speakership position in the Lagos State Assembly.
His comments come amid rising tensions surrounding the governance of the Assembly, raising questions about the balance of power and the rule of law in Nigerian politics.
The former Deputy Defence Adviser in Moscow urged both political leaders and citizens to prioritize legal processes and democratic principles in the face of challenges to governance.