The Nigerian House of Representatives has issued a one-week ultimatum to Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) alongside their respective State Houses of Assembly leaders, demanding their appearance before the Committee on Public Petitions. The directive follows their failure to attend an earlier hearing at the National Assembly in Abuja.
At the heart of the investigation is a petition from the Guardians of Democracy, a coalition of lawyers, regarding the controversial suspension of lawmakers—13 in Benue and 10 in Zamfara—since February 2024. The petition, championed by Hon. Philip Agbese, was officially presented to the House on March 27, raising concerns over the legality of these suspensions.
During the inaugural sitting on Thursday, delegations from both states made an appearance. Hon. Douglas Akya represented suspended Benue lawmakers, while Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara and the Minority Leader of the Zamfara Assembly stood in for their colleagues. Human rights lawyer Barr. Ihensekhien Samuel Junior, alongside a 12-member legal team, urged the committee to expedite the hearing, emphasizing that no court ruling currently bars the House from intervening.
He argued that the suspensions pose a constitutional challenge—questioning whether the remaining lawmakers in both states can legally form a quorum for legislative business. If a quorum cannot be achieved, he noted, the House of Representatives may be empowered to take over legislative functions in those states.
The committee, under the vice chairmanship of Hon. Nwogu Mathew, has now rescheduled the hearing to May 14, allowing time for invited officials to appear. Additionally, the break grants the new committee leadership time to review documents and ensure transparency in proceedings.
Previously, the House issued a formal summons to the governors and legislative heads on May 2, requesting clarification on the suspensions that have disrupted legislative activities. However, the Benue State House of Assembly has rejected the summons, arguing that the federal legislature has no oversight over state legislative affairs.
With the May 14 hearing approaching, all eyes will be on how the state governments respond to the House’s ultimatum and whether the suspended lawmakers will get the justice they seek.
AT Reporter
