The Benue State House of Assembly has rejected the summons issued by the National Assembly, calling it unconstitutional. The House, in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Terver Zamber, argued that the summons violates the Constitution of Nigeria. In response, the Assembly has resolved to take legal action against the National Assembly and requested that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Inspector General of Police investigate those responsible for signing the petition.
Furthermore, the Benue State House has called on the National Assembly Caucus from the state to engage with them and clarify why the state has been depicted negatively in the National Assembly. Majority Leader Mr. Saater Tiseer criticized the summons, stating that it was issued out of ignorance, and emphasized that the Benue Assembly operates independently under Nigeria’s Constitution. According to Tiseer, Section 101 of the Constitution grants the Assembly the authority to manage its affairs without interference from the National Assembly.
Member Peter Ipusu, representing Katsina-Ala West, supported the decision to take legal action, suggesting that the Guidance of Democracy should also be included in the lawsuit for misleading the National Assembly.
