The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Governors of Benue and Zamfara States—Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal—as well as the state assemblies of both states to appear before it on Thursday, March 8.
The summons follows a petition submitted by a civil rights group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, which is urging the National Assembly to take over the legislative functions of the two state assemblies.
According to a statement released on Friday by Chooks Oko, Head of Media for the House Committee on Public Petitions, the committee wants both the executive and legislative arms of the two states to explain the current situation and why the federal lawmakers should not intervene.
Committee Chairman Mike Etaba, who signed the summons, said the parties are already aware of the issues involved. He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and avoiding any breakdown of governance.
“Ours is to ensure that the rule of law is upheld at all times,” Etaba said. “The parties have a wonderful opportunity to state their cases clearly so Nigerians can understand what is going on. Anarchy will not be allowed in our democracy.”