Shinkafi slams House of Reps over ‘unconstitutional’ summons of Zamfara, Benue governors
On Tuesday, May 6, former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Sani Shinkafi, strongly criticized the House of Representatives for summoning the governors and state assembly leaders of Zamfara and Benue. He called the move unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Shinkafi spoke to journalists in Abuja, ahead of the scheduled appearance of the state officials on Thursday, May 8. The summons came after a petition from a civil rights group, Guardians of Democracy and the Rule of Law, was referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
“Certainly, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition has no constitutional power to summon democratically elected governors or State Assembly leaders to a public hearing on strictly internal affairs of their states,” he said.
Shinkafi argued that the National Assembly’s powers, under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, do not include summoning governors for issues solely related to state governance.
“The principle of separation of powers by the executive, legislature, and judiciary is equally enshrined in the constitution for effective governance.”
He praised the Zamfara State House of Assembly, saying it remains functional with 15 out of 24 lawmakers still actively participating, despite recent suspensions.
He also pushed back against the idea of declaring a state of emergency in Zamfara, saying the situation does not meet the threshold for such a step.
“There is nothing whatsoever that warrants the House of Representatives to summon the governor and Assembly leadership for a public hearing.”
Shinkafi also commended Governor Dauda Lawal for his efforts to transform Zamfara in just two years and urged lawmakers to focus on national security.
“Nigerians expect the House of Representatives to have invited service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police who have the constitutional mandates to safeguard the nation.”
Finally, he called on the House to dismiss the petition and focus on upholding democracy and the rule of law.
