‘Constitutional overreach’ — conference of speakers faults reps’ invitations to Benue, Zamfara assembly leaders

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has faulted the summons issued by the house of representatives committee on public petitions to the speakers of the Benue and Zamfara state houses of assembly.

The panel issued the summon following a petition filed by the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, a civil society organisation (CSO).

In a statement issued on Friday, Chooks Oko, the committee’s head of media, said those summoned, including governors of both states and members of state assemblies, are expected to appear before the panel on May 8.

On Wednesday, Adebo Ogundoyin, chairman of the conference of speakers, described the summons as an “overreach of constitutional powers” and a “direct challenge” to Nigeria’s federal structure and the autonomy of state legislatures.

He said the investigative and oversight powers of the national assembly under sections 88 and 89 of the constitution are “limited to federal matters”.

Ogundoyin said the state legislature is an independent arm of government and presiding officers cannot be summoned over internal legislative issues — except where a “clear constitutional or federal matter” is involved.

The conference warned that any “attempt to erode the constitutional independence of state assemblies may set a dangerous precedent” that could undermine the country’s democracy.

“The Conference calls on the National Assembly to uphold the principles of separation of powers and mutual institutional respect, while assuring Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law at all levels of governance,” the statement reads.

The speakers of the Benue and Zamfara state houses of assembly have also expressed strong objections to the invitations by federal lawmakers.