Reps warn Benue, Zamfara governors

The House of Representatives has issued a week ultimatum to the governors of Benue and Zamfara states, Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal respectively, as well as the leadership of their state Houses of Assembly, demanding their appearance before the Committee on Public Petitions over what it describes as the unlawful suspension of several lawmakers.

The directive followed the governors’ failure to honour an invitation to a hearing convened on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja. The matter stems from a petition by a coalition of lawyers under the platform Guardians of Democracy, highlighting the suspension of 13 lawmakers in Benue and 10 in Zamfara since February 2024.

Sponsored by Hon. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House, the petition was formally presented before the chamber on March 27.

During the committee’s inaugural session, Hon. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South) and Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), along with the Minority Leader of the Zamfara Assembly, represented the suspended lawmakers.

Their legal counsel, human rights lawyer Barr. Ihensekhien Samuel Junior, supported by a 12-member legal team, urged the committee to fast-track its proceedings. He clarified that the matter was not pending in any court, and even if it were, the House had constitutional jurisdiction in the absence of a judicial restraining order.

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“In Zamfara, 11 lawmakers have been sidelined for over 16 months under questionable executive influence. In Benue, 13 lawmakers have suffered similar fates,” he stated, warning of serious constitutional implications.

He argued that the suspensions compromised the formation of a valid quorum in the affected assemblies, potentially paralyzing legislative functions. “In such cases, the National Assembly can legally intervene and temporarily assume legislative roles to restore governance,” he added.

The session, chaired by Vice Chairman Hon. Nwogu Mathew, was rescheduled to May 14, allowing time for the new committee leadership to review documents and for the summoned parties to appear.

The House had initially served summons on the governors and assembly leaders on May 2, seeking clarification on the suspensions, which many critics argue violate constitutional norms. However, the Benue State House of Assembly rejected the summons, claiming the federal legislature has no oversight authority over state parliaments.

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