… Reps Summons Govs Lawal , Alia, Assembly Members
Daud Olatunji
The spectre of emergency rule now hangs heavily over Benue and Zamfara states as the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned Governors Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal alongside the leadership of their respective Houses of Assembly to appear before it on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The summons, issued on the heels of a petition by a civil rights group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, seeks explanations from the state leaders over the deteriorating security situation in both states, which has reportedly claimed over 600 lives in recent months.
The group has urged the National Assembly to invoke constitutional powers to take over the legislative functions of the two embattled states, citing their alleged failure to address the worsening crises and protect lives and property.
In the official hearing notice signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Mike Etaba, and dated April 30, 2025, the summoned officials were directed to appear in person before the Committee at Room 429, New Wing of the House of Representatives complex in Abuja, by 2:00pm.
The notice further stated that failure to comply could lead to the matter being determined in their absence.
Etaba, through a statement issued by his media aide, Chooks Oko, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, noting that the invited parties are already fully aware of the issues under contention.
“Ours is to ensure that the rule of law is upheld at all times. The parties have a wonderful opportunity to state their cases clearly so that Nigerians can know what is going on. Anarchy will never be given any space in our polity,” the Committee Chairman declared.
The development comes amid escalating concerns over the security and governance situation in Benue and Zamfara, where repeated attacks by armed groups and communal violence have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
Critics argue that the state governments have been largely ineffective in curbing the unrest, despite repeated federal interventions.
Legal observers note that the move by the House Committee invokes Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the National Assembly to investigate and assume certain functions of state legislatures under specific circumstances.
The Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, in its petition, called for urgent intervention by the National Assembly, warning that continued inaction could further embolden criminal elements and erode public confidence in governance structures.
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