Reps Committee Summons Governors, But Do They Even Have the Powers?
By: Zagazola Makama
In what can be described as a dramatic overreach, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has “summoned” the Governors of Zamfara and Benue states, along with their State Assembly leaderships, to appear before it on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
According to the Committee, the appearance is to explain why their functions should not be taken over by the National Assembly a move that appears more theatrical than constitutional.
Legal and constitutional experts have quickly pointed out what appears to be a glaring oversight: the House of Representatives, a federal legislative body, lacks the constitutional authority to summon duly elected state governors who head separate federating units under Nigeria’s federal system.
Under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly can only take over the functions of a state House of Assembly under Section 11(4) and even then, only when the Assembly is unable to perform its functions due to a breakdown of law and order. Not based on a committee's whim or dissatisfaction.
Constitutional lawyer Barrister Yusuf Akanbi remarked, “This is not a student council. Governors are not subordinates of the National Assembly. They are elected by their states and accountable first and foremost to their State Assemblies and the people who elected them.”
Political analysts also questioned whether the Reps Committee had forgotten the basics of federalism. “One wonders if they mistook the Constitution for a checklist they could rewrite,” the analyst joked.
While the House can indeed invite governors for matters of federal concern, such as the use of federal allocations or joint initiatives, any such invitation is just that an invitation, not a command. Governors are under no legal obligation to appear.
The current attempt amounts to political showmanship rather than a genuine constitutional process, raising queries about legislative priorities at the federal level.
It remains to be seen whether the governors will honour the invitation or politely remind the committee of the constitutional boundaries of their authority.
