House of Reps summons Zamfara, Benue governors over insecurity

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned Governors Dauda Lawal and Hyacinth Alia of Zamfara and Benue states, respectively, as well as their respective state house of assemblies, to appear before it on Thursday, May 8.

Sources said that the summons was related to rising insecurity in the state, which prompted a civil rights organisation, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, to petition the Green Chamber.

The executive and legislative arms of the two states are to appear before the committee to explain why the House of Representatives should not take over their constitutional functions because of the insecurity.

The summons was contained in a statement issued by Chooks Oko, the Head of Media, House Committee on Public Petitions.

According to Oko, the summons “is a sequel to a petition written by a civil rights organisation, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, urging the House to take over the functions of the two Houses of Assembly.

“The summons, personally signed by Committee Chairman 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.”