BREAKING: State of Emergency looms As House of Reps Move To Take Functions of Zamfara House of Assembly, Governor Dauda Summoned To Abuja

BREAKING: State of Emergency looms As House of Reps Move To Take Functions of Zamfara House of Assembly, Governor Dauda Summoned To Abuja

 

 

A state of emergency may soon be declared in Zamfara and Benue States as Nigeria’s House of Representatives considers taking over the functions of the states’ Houses of Assembly due to ongoing political and security turmoil.

 

This follows a formal summons issued by the House Committee on Public Petitions, mandating the governors and leadership of both state assemblies to appear before the committee on Thursday, May 8.

 

The move stems from a petition filed by the civil society group Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, urging the National Assembly to step in amidst what it describes as persistent violence, legislative dysfunction, and governance breakdowns in both states.

 

The group accuses the state governors of failing to address deepening insecurity and internal crises that have reportedly crippled the legislative process. The petition argues that these failures threaten democratic norms and call for urgent federal intervention.

 

Chooks Oko, Head of Media for Committee Chairman Hon. Mike Etaba, confirmed the development, stating that all parties involved are already well aware of the issues at stake.

 

“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,” Etaba said. “Anarchy would never be given any space in our polity.”

 

The official summons, dated April 30, cites Sections 88 and 89(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to investigate and intervene in state affairs when necessary.

 

The notice calls on the invited parties to appear in person at the hearing in Room 429, New Wing of the House of Representatives, and submit detailed written briefs on the matter.

 

Failure to attend, the summons warns, may result in the committee proceeding with the case in their absence.