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Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has apologised to the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Police Force for the attack on their officers at the Assembly on February 17.
Obasa issued the apology in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.
He described the assault as unfortunate.
The apology came as Obasa returned to the Assembly complex, declaring he had resumed his role as Speaker.
“On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I hereby apologise to the security agencies, for the embarrassment caused them, and in particular the assault on security operatives of the DSS as widely circulated in videos.
“We value you and the work you are doing. You are the ones we call on in our time of need for the protection of lives and property in and around the assembly and Lagos state. It is clear that the assembly requested additional support and your presence on this particular day.
“This is what we have always done in the past. It is regrettable that security operatives of the DSS had to be assaulted in the hallowed chambers of our State Assembly. I hereby apologise unreservedly on behalf of the entire Assembly. The Lagos Assembly and Security agents have always enjoyed a cordial and respectful relationship, and we have always called upon you when there is a need to maintain law and order.
“We hope that this incident will not damage the good relationship that we have built and enjoyed over the years. We plead on behalf of those who have been charged to court and look forward to an amicable settlement of this matter to foster our continued partnership for the peace of our dear state and at large,” Obasa said.
Obasa was on January 13, impeached by a two-thirds majority of the House members while he was on holiday in the United States, ending his ten-year leadership.
The members accused him of high-handedness and financial misappropriation, electing Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.
Obasa rejected the impeachment, claiming it did not follow due process, and took the matter to court.
At the last sitting on February 13, members passed a vote of confidence in the new Speaker and adjourned indefinitely amid pressure from some party leaders.
On Thursday, Obasa led his supporters to the assembly complex, where he declared he had reclaimed his seat and presided over a plenary attended by four members.
Meanwhile, three Assembly staff members charged with assaulting DSS operatives on February 17 have been arraigned and granted bail.
