Benue, Zamfara Bleed: canvas of the emergency rule

… the representatives convene Govs Lawal, alia, assembly

Daud Olatunji

The spectrum of the emergency rule now blocs heavily on the States of Benue and Zamfara while the public petition committee of the representative Chamber of Directors has convened the governors Hyacinth alia and Dauda Lawal together with the leadership of the respective assembly houses to appear in front of it on Thursday 8 May 2025.

The calls, issued in the wake of a petition by a group for civil rights, Guardians of Democracy and the State of law, ask for explanations of the state leaders on the situation in deterioration of safety in both states, which according to what has been reported has caused over 600 lives in recent months.

The group urged the National Assembly to invoke the constitutional powers to assume the legislative functions of the two market states, citing their alleged inability to face the crises of worsening and protect lives and properties.

In the official notice signed by the President of the Committee, the Hon. Mike Etaba and dated April 30, 2025, the officials called up were aimed at appearing in person in front of the Sala 429 committee, a new wing of the complex of the House of Representatives in Abuja, by 14:00.

The notice also stated that the inability to conform could lead to the determined question in their absence.

Etaba, through a declaration issued by its media helper, Chooks Oko, underlined the importance of supporting the rule of law, noting that the invited parties are already fully aware of the issues provided.

“Ours is to ensure that the rule of law is always supported. The parties have a wonderful opportunity to clearly declare their cases so that the Nigerians can know what is happening. Anarchy will never be given space in our policy,” said the president of the committee.

The development comes in the midst of the growing concerns for the situation of security and governance in Benue and Zamfara, where repeated attacks of armed groups and community violence have left hundreds of deaths and thousands of displaced people.

Critics argue that state governments have been largely ineffective in curbing disorders, despite repeated federal interventions.

Legal observers note that the Move of the Chamber Committee invokes sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as modified), which allow the National Assembly to investigate and take on some functions of the state legislation in specific circumstances.

The guardians of democracy and the rule of law, in its petition, asked for urgent intervention by the national assembly, warning that the continuous inaction could further encourage the criminal elements and erode the trust of the public in governance structures.

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