Key Points

• State of emergency in Benue and Zamfara is under review.

• Lawmakers summoned governors over rising insecurity.

• Civil group demands National Assembly intervention.

The House of Representatives may invoke a constitutional takeover of legislative functions in Benue and Zamfara states due to ongoing violence and widespread insecurity.

The move follows a petition submitted by a civil rights group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law.

This group urged the National Assembly to step in, citing the governors’ failure to manage crises that have led to ongoing killings and instability.

The House Committee on Public Petitions responded by summoning both state governors and the leadership of their Houses of Assembly to appear on May 8 for a public hearing.

According to a statement from Chooks Oko, Head of Media to the committee chairman, Rep. Mike Etaba, the hearing is designed to uphold constitutional order.

“The parties now have a clear opportunity to defend their actions. Nigeria cannot afford to entertain anarchy,” Etaba said.

State of emergency in Benue and Zamfara under consideration

The petition specifically calls for the National Assembly to take over the legislative duties of the two state assemblies.

The civil group alleges that both governors have failed to address escalating violence, allowing lawlessness to flourish unchecked.

The summons, dated April 30, 2025, directs the governors and state assembly leaders to appear in person at Room 429 in the House of Representatives.

They are required to submit one soft copy and ten hard copies of their defense briefs.

Failure to appear, the document warns, may result in the committee determining the case in their absence.

Sections 88 and 89(c) of the Nigerian Constitution empower the House to take such measures if governance is impaired.

Lawmakers respond to public outcry on killings

The push for a state of emergency in Benue and Zamfara stems from continued bloodshed and civilian displacement.

Lawmakers say the killings are no longer isolated incidents but represent a breakdown in state security apparatus.

Reps are now under pressure to act, both to reassure the public and prevent further deterioration. The petitioners argue that only federal intervention can restore order.

This development comes amid mounting national security challenges, forcing Parliament to adopt a firmer stance against local governments perceived as ineffective.

If the governors fail to convince lawmakers otherwise, emergency rule may become inevitable.