Lagos Assembly, Army to collaborate on security

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has pledged the House’s support for the Nigerian Army with the aim of maintaining the peace experienced in the state.

Dr. Obasa made this commitment on Thursday when he received Brigadier General Olawale Matthew Oyekola, the 48th Commander of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, who visited the House of Assembly with his team.

According to the Speaker, the State’s legislature, which comprises 40 lawmakers, is dedicated to ensuring peace and stability across all local government areas in Lagos and welcomes support from all appropriate sources in this effort.

“I want to assure you of our total support. Our arms are wide open. When you need us, all you have to do is just call on us.

We are at the House of Assembly to protect the people’s interests, their rights and ensure they do what they are supposed to do.

“We love peace in Lagos, which you can call a mini-Nigeria. And with your coming, we hope to sustain the peace we have in the State.

“Our interest is to prosper Lagos economically, socio-politically and in infrastructure,” the Speaker said while commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his policies that have kept the State growing.

Obasa took the opportunity to praise the military personnel, whom he described as gallant, for their dedication and loyalty to Nigeria.

He specifically commended the soldiers addressing insecurity in various parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast.

Earlier, Brigadier General Oyekola mentioned that he was in the House to engage with the representatives of the people of Lagos, whom he and his team are tasked with protecting.

Noting that he was returning to Lagos 20 years after his previous tenure in the state, he remarked that Lagos is currently peaceful and emphasized the need to sustain this status.

He sought the support of Lagosians for the Army, which he referred to as the third layer of protection, with the Nigeria Police Force as the first layer.

“Wearing this uniform does not make us different from the people. We are first civilians before becoming men in uniforms,” he said.

General Oyekola resumed at the Brigade’s Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos on August 21, 2024 after previously serving as Chief of Staff at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.