By Peter Omopo
Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Hyacinth Alia of Benue State have challenged the legal basis of a summons issued by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which is probing alleged constitutional violations and governance breakdowns in both states.
The governors and their respective Houses of Assembly were invited by the committee to appear over escalating tensions in the states’ legislatures, deteriorating security conditions, and controversies that may warrant federal intervention under Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
The summons, announced in a statement on Friday by the Committee’s Head of Media, Chooks Oko, follows weeks of political turmoil in both states. In Benue, 13 lawmakers were suspended after opposing the removal of Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese, sparking widespread criticism and accusations of executive overreach.
In Zamfara, the crisis deepened with the emergence of a parallel faction of the House of Assembly. Nine suspended lawmakers have continued to sit independently and recently demanded Governor Lawal present the 2025 budget, insisting they remain constitutionally valid.
Amid concerns over worsening insecurity, both states remain flashpoints of violence. Zamfara faces relentless attacks from bandits involved in kidnappings and extortion, while Benue continues to grapple with deadly clashes between herders and farmers.
A top official in the Benue State Government, speaking anonymously, said the state was reviewing the legality of the National Assembly’s action and would consult the Attorney General. “This is a constitutional matter,” the source said. “The law will answer whether the National Assembly has oversight on state governments.”
Efforts to reach the Benue Attorney General, Fidelis Mnyimn, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages.
Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh, said he had yet to receive a formal invitation and dismissed the issue as a “social media matter.”
In contrast, opposition figures welcomed the federal intervention. The state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Tim Nyior, described the lawmakers’ suspension as “legislative rascality” that denied millions of citizens representation. Daniel Ihomun, spokesperson for the APC faction loyal to SGF George Akume, echoed the sentiment, accusing the Alia administration of undermining democracy.
However, the APC caretaker committee aligned with Governor Alia disagreed, arguing the crisis had not reached a level requiring National Assembly intervention. “The law is clear. Only when a state assembly can no longer function should the National Assembly step in,” said the faction’s Publicity Secretary, James Orgunga.
The House Committee is expected to begin its inquiry on March 8.
