From Okwe Obi, Abuja
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has criticised the House of Representatives for summoning Zamfara and Benue governors, Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal, arguing the action lacks constitutional backing.
The House Committee on Public Petitions, in a statement dated May 2, 2025, signed by Head of Media Chooks Oko, summoned the governors and their state assembly leaders to appear on May 8, 2025, to justify why their functions should not be assumed by the House.
Shinkafi, Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), stated on May 5, 2025, that the committee oversteps its powers. He said, “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.”
Citing Nigeria’s federal structure, Shinkafi emphasised state autonomy under Section 4(6) and (7) of the Constitution. He referenced Sections 88 and 89, which limit the National Assembly’s investigative powers to federal matters, such as laws, appropriations, or federal agency oversight, not state affairs.
“This power is limited to matters within its legislative competence… Summoning a governor for clearly state matters exceeds the National Assembly’s authority,” he added.
While acknowledging the House’s patriotic intent, Shinkafi urged compliance with constitutional boundaries to respect the separation of powers and federalism.