Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and his Benue counterpart, Governor Hyacinth Alia, have declined invitations from the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, questioning the legal and constitutional grounds for the summons.
The committee had called on both governors and their respective state assemblies to respond to allegations of constitutional violations and governance failures.
The summons, announced in a statement by the committee’s Head of Media, Chooks Oko, cited political instability and worsening security conditions in both states.
In Benue, tensions have risen over the suspension of 13 lawmakers believed to oppose Governor Alia’s administration.
These lawmakers had previously criticized the governor’s suspension of the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese—an action that triggered accusations of executive interference in judicial affairs.
Zamfara, meanwhile, faces its own political impasse.
A group of nine lawmakers, earlier suspended, continues to operate as a parallel legislative body and has called on Governor Lawal to present the 2025 budget to them.
The situation has deepened the state’s legislative crisis.
Both states are also battling significant security challenges.
Zamfara remains plagued by banditry, mass abductions, and extortion, especially in rural areas.
Benue continues to suffer from deadly clashes between farmers and armed herders, threatening food security and civilian safety.
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Officials from both state governments have rejected the House committee’s authority.
The Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh, said he had not received a formal invitation, suggesting the issue may be exaggerated.
“It’s all a social media issue. Maybe the letter will arrive Monday, but as of now, I have nothing official to respond to,” he stated.
The Zamfara State PDP Publicity Secretary, Halliru Andi, criticized the summons, asserting that governors are accountable to their state legislatures and citizens, not the National Assembly.
“No politically motivated committee or court can intimidate us or disrupt our leadership,” he said.
Amid the turmoil, the factional lawmakers in Zamfara claimed they had received threats, alleging a plot to harm them and their families.
“We have audio evidence of a planned attack and have reported it to security agencies,” they said in a statement.
In contrast, opposition groups in Benue, including the PDP and an APC faction led by Austin Agada, have voiced support for the National Assembly’s intervention.
Political analysts warn, however, that the situation could escalate into a broader legal battle over the limits of federal and state authority.
As of press time, it remains uncertain whether the hearings will proceed or whether the National Assembly will seek to enforce its summons.
