By IDNN National Assembly Correspondent
Published: May 9, 2025
Governors Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State have refused to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which is probing the alleged unlawful suspension of lawmakers in their respective states.
The committee had summoned the governors following a petition filed on March 27, 2025, by Mr. Ihensekhien Samuel, legal counsel for a civil society group, Guardians of Rule of Law and Democracy. The petition alleged that both state executives had orchestrated unconstitutional suspensions that crippled legislative processes.
What the Petition Claims
According to the group, the suspensions — which affected opposition lawmakers and internal dissenters — violated Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines conditions under which the National Assembly can assume legislative control of a state assembly.
“No House of Assembly has the jurisdiction to suspend a sitting member for more than 14 days — anything beyond that is unconstitutional,” Mr. Samuel told the committee.
Zamfara’s Legislative Meltdown
In Zamfara, the Assembly has been rocked by deep internal strife. The crisis escalated after:
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10 lawmakers were suspended for allegedly holding an “illegal” plenary session.
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A power tussle between two factions — one led by Bilyaminu Moriki, the other by Bashar Gummi — resulted in parallel sittings, mutual suspensions, and a leadership vacuum.
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The Moriki-led faction accused Gummi’s group of staging a fake impeachment attempt.
Benue’s Judicial Showdown
In Benue State, the Assembly suspended 13 lawmakers allegedly for opposing the removal of Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese. The petition claims this action was driven by the executive arm under Governor Alia, citing a breakdown of democratic checks and balances.
Reps Committee Halted by Procedural Error
Despite the petition’s explosive claims, the committee’s hearing stalled due to procedural concerns.
Deputy Chairman Matthew Nwogu noted that the petition lacked a House stamp, suggesting it may not have been properly tabled before the full House.
“Until we confirm the petition was duly laid before the House and referred to this committee, we cannot proceed legitimately,” Nwogu said.
Petitioners Insist Due Process Was Followed
Mr. Samuel defended the petition’s authenticity, insisting that it had followed the correct legislative channels and had been referred by the former committee chairman, Mike Etaba.
The new Chairman, Kwamoti Laori, who was not present to preside, later urged all sides to maintain decorum.
“This matter is emotional, but we cannot let feelings override constitutional procedures,” Laori noted.
New Date Set: May 14
Despite the governors’ absence and procedural hiccups, the committee resolved to:
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Investigate the procedural standing of the petition
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Summon all parties for a new hearing on May 14, 2025
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Explore invoking Section 11(4) of the Constitution if state assemblies remain dysfunctional
“The committee will not be deterred. But we must do this right — by the law and for the people,” Nwogu said.
