Tension Builds As Reps Committee Postpones Crucial Benue, Zamfara Petition Hearing To May 28

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has postponed its hearing on a petition calling for the National Assembly to assume control of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly until May 28, 2025.

According to Naija News, the decision follows recent legal developments tied to the petition.

Committee Chairman Bitrus Laori (PDP–Adamawa) announced the adjournment during the committee’s resumed session on Wednesday in Abuja. He cited the receipt of court documents indicating that the issue is now under judicial consideration.

The matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Makurdi, under Suit No. FHC/MKD/CS/146/2025, filed on May 5, 2025, and adjourned to May 19 for further hearing.

Laori further disclosed that the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly had sent a letter to both the Senate and the House of Representatives’ Benue Caucus, requesting a meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis.

“In light of the court proceedings and the call for dialogue from Benue Assembly leaders, a decision on whether the committee will proceed with the petition will be made on the next adjourned date, May 28,” Laori stated.

The petition centers around political turmoil in both states.

In Benue, the crisis erupted after 13 lawmakers were suspended for opposing the impeachment of Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese, who was accused of misconduct and corruption. This suspension sparked deep divisions within the assembly.

In Zamfara, tensions escalated in February 2024 when 10 lawmakers—comprising members from both the APC and PDP—were suspended for allegedly holding an unauthorized plenary session. A fierce leadership tussle ensued, with Bilyaminu Moriki and Bashar Gummi each laying claim to the speakership.

The Gummi-led faction held a parallel session where they purportedly impeached Moriki. In retaliation, the Moriki camp suspended 10 members loyal to Gummi and declared the impeachment illegitimate.

Although the governors and speakers of both state assemblies failed to appear at the hearing, petitioners were present. These included The Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, represented by lawyer Emmanuel Onwudiwe, alongside the suspended lawmakers from Benue and Zamfara.