The House of Representatives has given a stern one-week ultimatum to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, and the leadership of their respective State Houses of Assembly.
They are now required to appear before the Committee on Public Petitions after failing to attend a hearing on the 8th of May, 2025, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The hearing stems from the controversial suspension of several lawmakers in both states. The committee is investigating a petition filed by the Guardians of Democracy, a coalition of lawyers, over the alleged unlawful suspension of 13 lawmakers in Benue and 10 in Zamfara since February 2024.
The petition, spearheaded by Deputy House Spokesperson Hon. Philip Agbese, was formally presented to the House on the 27th of March.
At the committee’s first sitting on Thursday, Hon. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South) led the group of suspended Benue lawmakers, while Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South) and the Minority Leader of the Zamfara Assembly represented their suspended colleagues. Barr. Ihensekhien Samuel Junior, lead counsel for the petitioners, appeared with a 12-member legal team, calling for the committee to speed up the investigation.
He emphasized that the issue is not before any court, and even if it were, the lack of a restraining order means the House is free to act. “In Zamfara, 11 lawmakers have been suspended for over 16 months, allegedly at the behest of the executive. In Benue, 13 lawmakers are facing suspension under similarly questionable circumstances,” said Ihensekhien.
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He further argued that these suspensions threaten the core of constitutional order, raising concerns about the ability of the remaining lawmakers to form a quorum for legislative work. “When a quorum cannot be established, the Constitution grants the House of Representatives the power to intervene and assume legislative duties in the affected states,” he added.
Hon. Nwogu Mathew, the committee’s Vice Chairman, oversaw Thursday’s session. He acknowledged the leadership changes within the committee and announced an adjournment to the 14th of May, allowing time to review pertinent documents and ensure a fair process.
Previously, on the 2nd of May, the House had issued formal summonses to both governors and their assemblies, demanding explanations regarding the suspensions, which have paralyzed legislative functions in Benue and Zamfara.
In a defiant move, the Benue State House of Assembly rejected the summons on the 6th of May, asserting that state legislatures are not accountable to the National Assembly’s oversight.