A civil rights group, Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) has affirmed that the House of Representatives lacks the constitutional power to summon state Governors or interfere in state matters, describing such action as a violation of Nigeria’s federal structure.
This is in view of a press release by the House Committee on Public Petitions on 2 May 2025, announcing the summoning of the governors of Benue and Zamfara states, alongside their state assembly leaders, to appear before the committee on 8 May.
A statement by the Executive Director of PAPSD, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi issued in Abuja indicates that Nigeria is a federation with three tiers of government – Federal, State and Local Government. Their duties, functions and responsibilities are clearly spelt out in the constitution.
He said the principle of separation of powers by the executive, legislature and judiciary is enshrined in the constitution for effective governance and to prevent undue interference by another arm of government.
“Section 88 of the Constitution empowers each House of the National Assembly to conduct investigations into the affairs of any person, authority, ministry, or government department related to the execution or administration of laws or the disbursement of funds appropriated by the National Assembly. The investigations can be initiated to expose corruption, inefficiency, or waste in the execution or administration of laws, and in the disbursement or administration of funds. Section 89 empowers the Senate or House of Representatives (or a committee appointed under section 62) to procure any necessary evidence.
“Thus, the National Assembly’s power to summon citizens is tied to its investigative authority under Sections 88 and 89. This power is limited to matters within its legislative competence, such as federal laws, appropriations, or oversight of federal agencies. It is not unlimited power to summon everyone. Thus, summoning a governor for clearly state matters exceeds the National Assembly’s authority as Nigeria is a federation, where states have autonomy under Section 4(6) and (7), Shinkafi said.
The group noted that 15 of the 24 assembly members continue to hold meetings and transact legislative business, dismissing claims of a crisis warranting federal intervention.
“There is no civil unrest or disruption of executive and legislative duties,” Shinkafi said, accusing “political enemies” of fabricating a crisis to undermine Zamfara’s democratic structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Shinkafi commended
Governor Dauda Lawal for exceeded his predecessors in transforming the state in barely two years. He should not be distracted by politically motivated protests for declaration of a state of emergency and petition to takeover the functions of the State House of Assembly by the House of Representatives. The constitution does not contemplate this scenario that will impede the nation’s democracy.
He further stated that the House Committee on Public Petition should have visited Zamfara State instead of relying on a misplaced, biased and jaundiced narrative by a so-called Guardian of Democracy and the Rule of Law which failed to publish its purported petition in the media for public scrutiny. It is the work of a fifth columnist to destabilise Zamfara State.
“Nigerians expect the House of Representatives to have invited service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police who have the constitutional mandates to safeguard the nation and ensure public order in tandem with Section 14(2)b which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
The former Governorship candidate noted that Zamfara State is not in a clear and present danger to necessitate the House taking over the functions of the Assembly or declaration of a state of emergency by the president.
He urged aggrieved citizens to approach the court to seek redress over the government’s policies, actions and inaction. It is the essence of democracy and rule of law instead of overheating the polity to cause anarchy.
“After 26 years of unbroken representative governance, it is time to water the tree of democracy to maturity to yield its fruits to the masses who desire and deserve improved standards of living.
As a foremost pro-democracy group, Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development will continue to intervene in crucial national issues for sustainable democracy and development, Shinkafi said.
