The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) has strongly criticised the House of Representatives for summoning the governors and leadership of the state assemblies of Zamfara and Benue states, describing the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by its executive director, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, in Abuja, yesterday, PAPSD said the House Committee on Public Petitions lacks the constitutional authority to invite state governors and assembly leaders over purely state affairs. The group was reacting to a notice from the Committee, dated May 2, 2025, directing the affected parties to appear on May 8 to explain why their legislative functions should not be taken over by the National Assembly.
Citing sections of the 1999 Constitution, PAPSD argued that Nigeria operates a federal system where the autonomy of state governments is guaranteed. “The National Assembly’s investigative powers under Sections 88 and 89 are limited to matters within its legislative purview, particularly federal institutions and issues.
It cannot interfere with the internal workings of state governments,” the statement noted.
The group pointed out that Section 11(5) of the Constitution clearly states that a State House of Assembly is deemed functional as long as it can meet and conduct business. According to PAPSD, this provision invalidates any move to take over legislative duties in Zamfara, where the majority of lawmakers (15 out of 24) continue to sit and perform their duties despite internal disputes.
“The purported crisis in Zamfara Assembly exists only in the imagination of political actors pushing for a 2027 agenda,” Dr. Shinkafi said. “The Assembly is functioning. The Governor is delivering on his mandate. There is no breakdown of law and order to justify emergency measures or a legislative takeover.”
PAPSD further alleged that the petition prompting the summons—reportedly filed by a civil society group, Guardians of Democracy and the Rule of Law—was politically orchestrated and lacked credibility. The group criticised the House Committee for relying on such a petition without conducting an independent fact-finding mission to Zamfara.
Highlighting recent military gains in the fight against insecurity in the state, including the killing of several notorious bandits by Nigerian troops in a coordinated offensive, PAPSD said Zamfara is far from being in a state of emergency. “The security situation has significantly improved, thanks to the efforts of our armed forces. The petitioner conveniently ignored this reality,” Shinkafi added.
The pro-democracy group urged the National Assembly to instead focus on national priorities and refrain from actions that may erode constitutional governance. “Nigerians expect the House to summon service chiefs, not state governors, to address pressing national security issues,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to democracy, PAPSD concluded: “After 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule, we must nurture rather than destabilize democratic institutions. Disagreements should be settled in court, not through political theatrics that threaten federalism.”
The group called on the House Committee to dismiss what it described as a “frivolous and spurious petition” and allow Zamfara and Benue states to continue their governance without unwarranted interference.