The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has adjourned its hearing on the suspension of lawmakers from the Benue and Zamfara Houses of Assembly to May 14.
Deputy Chairman of the committee, Rep. Mathew Nwogu (LP-Imo), gave the ruling on Thursday following the failure of the speakers and governors of both states to honour earlier invitations.
In his remarks, Mr Nwogu stated that it would be inappropriate to make a decision without hearing from the parties involved.
“You cannot shave someone’s hair in his absence,” he said.
According to him, the adjournment will offer another opportunity for the absent stakeholders to appear before the committee.
He also cited a recent reshuffle in the House leadership, which resulted in changes to the committee’s composition.
According to him, the new date will allow the incoming chairman ample time to review the matter thoroughly.
Mr Nwogu appealed to the suspended lawmakers to remain patient, assuring them that the committee would ensure due process was followed.
The newly appointed Chairman of the committee, Rep. Bitrus Laori (PDP-Adamawa), assured the petitioners that their rights would be protected.
“I want to give you every assurance that nobody’s rights will be trampled upon.
“You must have confidence in us that we are committed to addressing this matter.
“I urge everyone to be patient. No matter how long the journey, we will reach our destination,” he said.
Earlier, Samuel Ihensekhin, legal representative of the Guardians for Rule of Law and Democracy and counsel for the petitioners, urged the committee to expedite the hearing.
He noted that similar cases had been decided by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that no legislative assembly had the authority to suspend a member beyond 14 weeks.
He said that with the suspension of the members from both houses, “the rule on quorum is being threatened.”
Mr Ihensekhin called on the committee to use its investigative powers to ensure justice was served in the interest of democracy, urging it to recommend the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers.
In the event that a political solution fails, Ihensekhin suggested the committee should consider taking over the legislative functions of the affected state assemblies to prevent a breakdown of democratic governance.
In Benue, the House of Assembly suspended 13 lawmakers for three months over their alleged opposition to the removal of the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
The judge was accused of gross misconduct and corruption, sparking controversy and division within the Assembly.
While in Zamfara, the political crisis deepened in February 2024 when the Assembly suspended ten lawmakers.
Of the 10 suspended lawmakers for allegedly convening an illegal plenary session, four are from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and six from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
NAN further reports that the situation in Zamfara has since escalated into a leadership tussle, with two lawmakers, Bilyaminu Moriki and Bashar Gummi, both laying claim to the speakership.
The Gummi-led faction reportedly held a parallel sitting during which they purportedly impeached Moriki.
In response, the Moriki-led Assembly suspended 10 members aligned with Gummi, labeling the impeachment as invalid and accusing the group of conducting an illegal session.
These crises form the basis of the petitions currently before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions.
NAN
