The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has firmly rejected a recent summons by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, describing it as unconstitutional and an infringement on the autonomy of state legislatures.
The Chairman of the Conference, Rt. Honorable Adebo Ogundoyin, made this known in a statement made available to westernmirror.com.ng on Wednesday, May 7.
The summons, directed at the Honourable Speakers of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly, stemmed from a petition by a civil society group, Guardians of Democracy and the Rule of Law. However, the Conference insists that the action amounts to an overreach of the National Assembly’s constitutional powers and poses a threat to Nigeria’s federal structure.
In a formal response addressed to the House Committee, the Conference of Speakers emphasized that the investigative and oversight powers granted to the National Assembly under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution are confined to federal matters. The Conference argued that State Legislatures are constitutionally independent arms of government, and their presiding officers cannot be summoned over internal legislative affairs unless such issues clearly fall within federal jurisdiction.
The Speakers of Benue and Zamfara State Assemblies also individually responded to the summons, echoing the Conference’s position.
They maintained that the matters referenced in the petition are strictly domestic and thus beyond the oversight reach of the National Assembly.
The Conference further warned that any attempt to interfere with the constitutional autonomy of State Assemblies could set a dangerous precedent and erode the foundations of democracy at the sub-national level.
The Conference however, urged the National Assembly to respect the principle of separation of powers and to promote mutual institutional respect. It reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, transparency, and the rule of law across all levels of government.
“A copy of the Conference’s official communication to the House Committee on Public Petitions was attached to the release,” the statement reads.