“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,.“
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the governors and legislative leadership of Benue and Zamfara states to justify why their functions shouldn’t be taken over by the National Assembly. This follows a petition by Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law citing “incessant crisis and killings” in both states. Committee Chairman Mike Etaba warned: “Anarchy would never be given any space in our polity,” invoking constitutional powers under Sections 88-89 for Thursday’s hearing.
The April 30 summons demands explanations for failed security governance, threatening determination “in your absence” if officials fail to appear. The move comes amid escalating violence, with petitioners alleging governors’ inability to protect citizens. Both states must submit briefing documents ahead of the May 8 hearing, which could mark Nigeria’s first legislative intervention of this scale since the 2023 constitutional amendments expanded federal oversight powers over subnational security crises.
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