Protest Erupts at National Assembly over assault of staff by DSS operatives

A protest erupted at the National Assembly after staff members demonstrated against the assault of two senior directors by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The timely intervention of police officers prevented the situation from escalating into a full-blown crisis.

The incident that sparked the protest began when John Nnadi of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and Chris Odoh, a Deputy Director, were stopped by DSS operatives at the White House gate around noon.

Despite presenting their identity cards, they were denied entry for allegedly not properly identifying themselves. When Nnadi and Odoh attempted to proceed to their offices, DSS operatives physically restrained and assaulted them.

The confrontation intensified when four additional DSS operatives arrived, further pushing and shoving the assembly staff. The situation escalated dramatically when Odoh was forcibly taken to the DSS office in the White House.

News of the assault and detention quickly spread, prompting other Assembly staff and legislative aides to mobilize. Angered by the treatment of their colleagues, they stormed the DSS office, demanding the immediate release of the Deputy Director.

The protest saw a significant number of staff members gathering and voicing their outrage over the actions of the DSS operatives.

Police officers arrived on the scene and managed to intervene before the situation could worsen. Their presence helped to defuse the tension and prevent potential violence.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the National Assembly, Alex Annagu, along with the Deputy Clerk to the Senate (Legislative), Ilobah Isabella, arrived shortly after and appealed to the protesters for calm.

Their efforts were crucial in restoring order and ensuring that the protest did not escalate further. However, the incident has left a mark on the National Assembly staff, who remain concerned about the heavy-handed tactics employed by the DSS operatives against their colleagues.