The Coalition of Former Nigerian Lawmakers, CoFoNiL, has urged the National Assembly to immediately assume legislative responsibilities in Benue and Zamfara States, citing constitutional authority in light of ongoing crises within the respective state houses of assembly.
This call follows a protest held on Tuesday by over 1,000 lawyers under the banner of the Save Benue and Zamfara Coalition, who stormed the National Assembly complex in Abuja, demanding federal intervention to address the escalating legislative turmoil in both states.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dapo Olowolagba, CoFoNiL hailed the protest as a “patriotic move to save democracy,”; and lauded the participating lawyers as “heroes of democracy who mean well for the country.”;
“The lawyers have done exactly what is expected of anyone knowledgeable in constitutional matters and genuinely concerned about the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria, as symbolised by the Coat of Arms,”; the statement read.
Referencing Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Olowolagba stressed that the National Assembly possesses the legal authority to take over legislative functions in any state whose House of Assembly is incapacitated.
“The same Constitution authorises the National Assembly to summon governors and other sub-national actors. This is not an intrusion into state matters but a constitutional duty to prevent the breakdown of law and order,”; he asserted.
Recalling historical precedent, he added: “During the 3rd Assembly, the National Assembly summoned the then-Governor of Benue State. He appeared, the issues were resolved, and he was allowed to go. That’s how democracy works.”;
Olowolagba cautioned that the prevailing instability in Benue and Zamfara may prompt a declaration of a state of emergency if left unresolved.
“We saw what happened in Rivers State in March. Benue and Zamfara are following a similar path. The difference is that the President has not yet taken drastic action.
“These states have had ample time to reconcile, reinstate unconstitutionally suspended lawmakers, and return to proper legislative business,”; he said.
CoFoNiL reiterated its full support for the lawyers’ demand that the National Assembly intervene by taking over the legislative functions of the embattled state assemblies to forestall further political deterioration.
Recall that the Save Benue and Zamfara Coalition, comprising over 1,000 lawyers, protested to the National Assembly on Tuesday, calling for urgent federal involvement.
In Zamfara State, 10 lawmakers were suspended in February 2024, allegedly on the orders of Governor Dauda Lawal, following their criticism of worsening insecurity in the state.
In Benue State, 13 lawmakers were reportedly suspended after declining to implement Governor Hyacinth Alia’s directive to suspend the state’s Chief Judge.
