A state of emergency appears imminent for Benue and Zamfara states as the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the governors of both states, along with the leadership of their Houses of Assembly, to appear before the House on Thursday, May 8.
This summons is in response to ongoing crises within the states, prompting the House to consider taking over their functions.
The call for intervention follows a petition from the civil rights organisation, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, which urged the House to assume control of the two Houses of Assembly due to persistent violence and insecurity.
The petition highlighted the governors’ failure to effectively address the pressing issues facing their states, leading the organisation to seek action from the National Assembly.
Chooks Oko, Head of Media for the committee’s chairman, confirmed that the summons were signed by Committee Chairman Mike Etaba, who emphasised that the invited parties are already familiar with the case details.
“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,” Etaba asserted.
The summons, dated April 30, 2025, is titled: “Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law (Petitioner). Urgent need for the House of Representatives to take over the functions of the Benue State House of Assembly and the Zamfara State House of Assembly.”
The document states: “Summons/Hearing Notice: Whereas the above named petition is now pending before this Committee and the particulars of the petition aforesaid are already within your knowledge;
“And whereas, the petition has been assigned to be heard by the Committee for determination; You are hereby required to note Sections 88 and 89 (c) of our constitution (as amended), and appear in person before this Committee on Thursday 8th day of May 2025 at 2.00pm or so soon thereafter as the Committee shall direct. Venue: House of Representatives Room 429 (New Wing).
“You are to submit one (1) soft and ten (10) hard copies of your brief on the matter.
“And further take notice that if you do not attend the hearing as required, the case may be heard or determined in your absence.”
