Reps Invite Govs Alia, Lawal Over Assembly Crises

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and his Zamfara State counterpart, Dauda Lawal, along with the leadership of their Houses of Assembly to appear before it on Thursday.

The governors and leadership of the legislature are to explain why the functions of their Houses of Assembly should not be taken over by the House of Representatives.

This is sequel to a petition written by a civil rights organisation, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law which urged the House to take over the functions of the two Houses of Assembly.

The head of media, public petitions committee, Chooks Oko who disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, said the summons, personally signed by the panel’s chairman, Hon. Mike Etaba, noted that the invited parties were already aware of the facts of the case.

“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,” Etaba stated.

The summon addressed to the concerned parties reads: “Whereas the above-named petition is now pending before this committee and the particulars of the petition aforesaid are already within your knowledge. And whereas, the petition has been assigned to be heard by the committee for determination.

“You are hereby required to note Sections 88 and 89 (C) of our constitution (as amended) and appear in person before this committee on Thursday, 18th day of May, 2025 at 2:00pm or so soon thereafter as the Committee shall direct. Venue: House of Representatives Room 429 (New Wing).

“You are to submit one soft and 10 hard copies of your brief on the matter. And further take notice that if you do not attend the hearing as required, the case may be heard or determined in your absence.”