The House of Representatives has formally clarified that it did not summon the Honourable Speakers of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly, in a move to douse growing concerns over legislative overreach.
In an official correspondence dated Thursday, May 8, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, the National Assembly confirmed that there is no record of a referral regarding the issue to its Committee on Public Petitions.
The letter, referenced NASS/SPK/ADM/VOL.IV/0078, was signed by Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, Chief of Staff to the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives. It stated:
“I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter concerning the summons issued to the Honourable Speakers of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly, and to respectfully inform you that the House of Representatives has no record of a referral of the matter to the Committee on Public Petitions.”
Prof. Dan-Azumi further conveyed the regrets of the House over any misunderstanding the situation may have caused, emphasizing the legislature’s unwavering respect for the autonomy of state parliaments.
“The House of Representatives regrets any misunderstanding this may have caused and reiterates its respect for the autonomy of State Legislatures, as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The development comes amid heightened sensitivity over inter-legislative boundaries and underscores the House’s commitment to upholding the constitutional balance between federal and state legislative arms.
The statement concluded with assurances of the Honourable Speaker’s warm regards to the leadership of the Conference of Speakers.
