The House of Representatives has asked the Governors of Benue and Zamfara States, Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal, to appear before its Committee on Public Petitions next Thursday, May 8. This move follows serious concerns over growing insecurity in the two states, which has triggered national attention and calls for federal action.
According to the committee, both the governors and their state Houses of Assembly are expected to respond to issues raised in a petition filed by a civil society group, the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law. The group is asking the House of Representatives to consider stepping in and taking over some of the constitutional responsibilities of the two state governments due to what they describe as a breakdown in law and order.
A formal statement from the committee, released by its Head of Media, Chooks Oko, confirmed that invitations had been sent out to all the concerned parties. The letter of invitation was reportedly signed by the Chairman of the Committee on Public Petitions, Mike Etaba.
The statement noted, “The summons is sequel to a petition written by a civil rights organisation, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law urging the House to take over the functions of the two Houses of Assembly.” It further noted that the committee expects full cooperation and transparency from those invited.
Etaba noted that the individuals and institutions summoned are already fully informed about the matter, and the hearing will provide an open platform for them to explain the steps taken to tackle the insecurity in their states.
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.”
