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Insecurity: Reps, Benue Governor in Dispute as National Assembly Resumes

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | 3:52 AM WAT Last Updated 2025-05-06T10:52:19Z

Insecurity: Reps, Benue Governor in Dispute as National Assembly Resumes

 As the National Assembly reconvenes today following its extended recess, tensions have flared between the House of Representatives and the Benue State Government over the recent surge in killings across the state.

Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, blamed Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for the deteriorating security, accusing him of abandoning the state’s anti-open grazing law. In response, Governor Alia, through his Technical Adviser on Communication, Solomon Iorpev, criticized Agbese, arguing that he lacks an understanding of legislative processes in a democracy.

In recent weeks, no fewer than 56 people have been killed in attacks across Ukum and Logo LGAs. Last week, Governor Alia appealed for federal assistance to curb the violence.

The National Assembly had originally scheduled its return for April 29, following the Eid-el-Fitr and Easter holidays. However, the resumption was postponed by a week due to the May Day celebrations.

During the recess, a wave of violent attacks swept through Benue, Plateau, and Zamfara states, prompting calls for President Bola Tinubu to return from his vacation in France and lead efforts against insecurity.

Speaking to DIP CONNECTS ONLINE NEWS, Agbese emphasized the House’s commitment to tackling insecurity. “We are tired of observing one-minute silences. Every Nigerian life matters. We want action, not just talk,” he said. He added that past engagements with security chiefs led to some improvement, but the situation has since worsened.

He warned that if security agencies lack fresh strategies, the House would recommend their dismissal. He also reiterated Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’s prioritization of citizens' safety since June 2023.

Focusing on Benue, Agbese claimed that Alia had abandoned the anti-open grazing law in favor of referencing the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement. “The protocol doesn’t permit undocumented human transit. The previous law ensured herders provided identification, but the governor dismantled that system,” he said.

Agbese also urged Governors Alia and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara to appear before the House Committee on Public Petitions on May 8. The summons, initiated by a petition from the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, seeks to determine if the House should take over the functions of the two state assemblies under Section 11(4) of the Constitution.

Agbese dismissed technical arguments against the summons, insisting that Nigerians deserve to hear the governors’ side. Asked about consequences for noncompliance, he said it was premature to speculate.

In response, Governor Alia’s aide, Iorpev, accused Agbese of ignorance. “In a democracy, laws cannot be suspended arbitrarily. Due process must be followed,” he said, affirming Alia’s continued support for the anti-open grazing law.

Meanwhile, the Benue State House of Assembly will meet today to decide whether to honor the federal summons. Speaker Dajoh Hyacinth confirmed receiving the invitation and said the House would deliberate on the matter.

Attorney General of Benue State, Fidelis Myimn, is currently reviewing the legal basis for the summons. As of press time, he had not provided a formal response.

In Zamfara, Governor Lawal’s aide, Mustafa Kaura, rejected the summons, stating that the National Assembly lacks the authority to summon a serving governor. He questioned the urgency of the summons during a recess.