As the National Assembly resumes from its long recess today, a fresh disagreement has erupted between the House of Representatives and the Benue State Government over the rising wave of killings in the state.
Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, blamed Governor Hyacinth Alia for allegedly abandoning the state’s anti-open grazing law, linking this to the increase in the killing of innocent citizens in recent months. In response, the governor accused Agbese of lacking basic knowledge of democratic processes, especially regarding the repeal or suspension of state laws.
Communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas have suffered repeated attacks in recent weeks, with over 56 lives lost. Governor Alia had last week appealed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention.
According to The PUNCH, Agbese — who represents Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency — said the House is ready to tackle insecurity as a top priority upon resumption. “We are tired of observing one-minute silences for innocent victims. The life of every Nigerian is important to the 10th National Assembly,” he stated.
He expressed disappointment that a brief period of reduced violence, following earlier engagements with security chiefs, had not been sustained. “If we’re not convinced they have new strategies, we’ll recommend to the President that he replaces them,” Agbese warned.
On Benue’s internal situation, Agbese criticized Governor Alia’s handling of the state’s anti-open grazing law. He alleged that the governor disregarded the law under the guise of complying with ECOWAS Protocols, which allow free movement of people and goods.
“The governor ignored the critical provisions that required herders to register and identify themselves. This breakdown has resulted in lawlessness and attacks,” Agbese claimed.
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He also called on Governor Alia and the Benue State House of Assembly to appear before the House Committee on Public Petitions on Thursday, May 8, following a petition from a civil rights group. The petition urged the National Assembly to consider taking over the functions of the Benue State Assembly based on alleged constitutional lapses.
Although the Benue Assembly initially denied receiving the summons, its Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, later confirmed its receipt and said the Assembly would deliberate on it during Tuesday’s plenary.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia, through his Technical Adviser on Communication, Solomon Iorpev, dismissed Agbese’s allegations, emphasizing that the anti-open grazing law remains in force.
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“In a democracy, laws cannot be suspended arbitrarily. That only happens under military rule,” Iorpev stated. “The governor has never abandoned the law; he continues to advocate its full enforcement.”
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The state’s Attorney General, Fidelis Mnyim, is reportedly studying the legality of the summons from the House of Representatives, with a formal response expected soon.
As the tension builds, all eyes are on the Benue Assembly’s sitting today, where lawmakers are expected to take a decisive position on the federal summons and the wider security issues affecting the state.
