By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has officially summoned the Governors of Benue and Zamfara States, Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal, and their respective state Houses of Assembly, over the worsening insecurity in their regions.
In a statement released on Friday by Chooks Oko, the committee’s Head of Media, the summons directs the state officials to appear before the lawmakers on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to respond to allegations raised in a petition by the civil rights group Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law.
The petition calls on the National Assembly to consider taking over the legislative functions of both states, citing a breakdown in security and governance. This move, though drastic, is permissible under Nigeria’s constitution if a state government is seen as unable to perform its functions due to a crisis.
Committee Chairman Mike Etaba, who personally signed the summons, emphasised the seriousness of the allegations, noting that the hearing would give all parties a fair chance to present their case.
He said: “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 development comes amidst broader national concern over Nigeria’s security situation, with President Bola Tinubu recently pledging to reclaim forested regions from criminal elements using advanced technology.
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