Did Agbese Call For State of Emergency in Benue, Zamfara? Top Legislative Aide Clears Air
- Hon. Philip Agbese’s petition, backed by over 200 lawyers, urges the National Assembly to assume legislative functions in Benue and Zamfara due to mass suspensions of lawmakers
- The suspension of nearly half of the lawmakers in both states has sparked concerns over governance, representation, and potential constitutional breaches
- While some speculate Agbese is calling for a state of emergency, the petition strictly seeks legislative intervention to uphold democratic governance
A recent petition presented by Hon. Philip Agbese to the House of Representatives has ignited debate over governance in Benue and Zamfara states.
The petition, backed by over 200 lawyers, urged the National Assembly to take over the legislative functions of the state assemblies.
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However, questions have arisen regarding whether Agbese is calling for a state of emergency in the two states.
The Petition and legislative concerns
The petition highlighted the ongoing crises in the Benue and Zamfara state Assemblies, where mass suspensions of lawmakers have led to legislative paralysis.
According to reports, 10 out of 21 lawmakers in Zamfara were suspended under the directive of the state governor, while 13 out of 32 lawmakers in Benue faced similar sanctions.
However, a legislative aide familiar with the matter explained,
“The suspensions have effectively crippled these assemblies, making it difficult for them to perform their constitutional duties. The petition merely seeks to ensure that democratic governance is upheld.”
Suspensions and democratic concerns
The suspension of nearly half of lawmakers in both states has raised questions about democratic governance.
Critics argue that such actions suppress representation and could lead to constitutional breaches.
What does the constitution say?
Section 11(4) of the Nigerian Constitution grants the National Assembly power to take over the legislative functions of a state assembly if it is unable to function properly.
Supporters of the petition argue that the situation in Benue and Zamfara meets this criterion.
Contrary to speculation, Agbese did not call for a state of emergency. Instead, the petition seeks to avoid further instability by urging legislative intervention.
The article reads:
“There is no call for a state of emergency. The petition strictly requests the National Assembly to take over the legislative functions of the affected assemblies in line with constitutional provisions.”
Reps move to create new LGAs in 5 states
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards restructuring Nigeria’s local government system as constitutional amendment bills seeking to create new local government areas in five states successfully passed the second reading.
Leading the legislative push, the deputy speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, alongside six other lawmakers, sponsored a bill seeking to split the existing Bende LGA in Abia state into two, creating Bende North while renaming the original LGA as Bende South.
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Source: Legit.ng
