Operatives of the State Security Service (DSS) on Monday took over the premises of Nigeria’s National Assembly, preventing lawmakers, staff and journalists from gaining access into the complex.

The DSS men who were mostly masked appeared battle ready having taken strategic positions at all the gates leading into the National Assembly premises.

Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, one of the lawmakers blocked at the National Assembly entrance had this to tell journalistst: “We’re legislators and we’re supposed to have access to our offices.

“The DSS came and blocked the whole entrance to the National Assembly and said it is orders from the above. We’re here waiting to know who gave such orders.‎”

Leading some of the lawmakers to challenge the DSS operatives, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives member from Rivers State, Mrs. Boma Goodhead maintained that the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan did not launch attacks on the nation’s democracy through the use of force on the National Assembly.

 Some senators and members of the House of Representatives were later able to gain access into the complex at around 8:15 am.

Among those who later entered the complex were senators Ben Murray Bruce, Biodun Olujimi, Rafiu Ibrahim, Isa Misau, Abdullahi Gumel as well as some members of the House of Representatives.

The National Assembly was to be opened today, although lawmakers are on recess till September 25, at the instance of Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki who summoned a meeting of leaders of the national legislature to discuss pressing national issues including the 2019 elections supplementary budget. Ironically, the meeting was to hold after the presidency pleaded with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara