In a move that underscores growing alarm over alleged legislative paralysis in parts of the federation, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Governors of Benue and Zamfara States, alongside the leadership of their respective Houses of Assembly, to appear before it on Thursday, May 8.
The summons, personally signed by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Mike Etaba, follows a formal petition submitted by the civil rights advocacy group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law. The group has called on the National Assembly to invoke its constitutional powers by taking over legislative functions in both states, citing persistent breakdowns in democratic order and effective governance.
According to Hon. Etaba, the committee is acting within its constitutional mandate to ensure that Nigeria's democracy is protected from institutional decay. "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 would never be given any space in our polity," he declared.
Though specific allegations were not publicly disclosed in the summons, the action signals deepening federal concern over the state of governance in both Benue and Zamfara. Political analysts suggest that recent controversies surrounding budget approvals, legislative boycotts, and allegations of executive interference may have contributed to the present impasse.
The summons is also seen as a test of the federal legislature's resolve to intervene decisively where democratic institutions are perceived to be under threat. It remains to be seen how the governors and lawmakers of the two states will respond, but the proceedings on May 8 are expected to attract significant national attention.
The House Committee’s intervention is based on Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows the National Assembly to assume legislative powers of a state if it determines that the state legislature is unable to perform its functions.
As the country watches closely, Thursday’s hearing may set a critical precedent in the enforcement of democratic norms and constitutional order across Nigeria’s federating units.