FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, to disregard a summons issued by the National Assembly Public Petition Committee. The resolution was announced during plenary on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, by the Majority Leader, Hon. Saater Tiseer.
According to the Benue Assembly, the summons contravenes the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly Section 101, which empowers state assemblies to regulate their own affairs without external interference.
The House also resolved to initiate legal action against the National Assembly. Additionally, it called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Inspector General of Police to investigate the individuals behind the petition that prompted the summons.
The Assembly further requested an engagement with the Benue National Assembly Caucus (Senators and House of Representatives members) to clarify why the state is being negatively portrayed at the federal level.
Hon. Saater Tiseer criticized the petition, stating that it reflected ignorance of the constitutional boundaries between the state and federal legislatures. He emphasized that Benue is currently grappling with security challenges that require unity among all its indigenes, regardless of their location.
Backing the move, Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu (Katsina-Ala West) supported legal action and suggested that the group “Guidance of Democracy” be included in the lawsuit for allegedly misleading the National Assembly. He noted that the group falsely referenced Hon. Peter Uche as one of the suspended members, showing a lack of understanding of the Assembly’s proceedings.
Hon. Michael Audu and Hon. Peter Uche also condemned the summons and urged the Speaker and the leadership not to honor it.
The lawmakers affirmed that the Benue State Assembly remains functional and autonomous, and that there is no conflict among the state’s executive, legislative, and judicial arms.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
Head of Centre, Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
