MEMBERS of the new Lagos state assembly engaged in a free-for-fall fist fight, throwing punches and hurling chairs around the chamber ahead of its formal opening on Wednesday, all broadcast on television. Tables were overturned and chaos reigned in the assembly. The reason for the brawling was a dispute over the election of the assembly speaker with one faction saying another faction was putting forward someone not born in Lagos state. Police were called in to the chamber at Ikeja, in the heart of Lagos, wielding batons and sticks to try to restore order but with little success. The uproar continued for over half an hour and broadcasts of the proceedings were interrupted. Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, who proclaimed the assembly open, and then quickly left, criticised the fighting, saying it was “most unrespectful”.