Insecurity Crisis: Reps, Benue Gov Alia Trade Blame as National Assembly Resumes
As the National Assembly resumes from an extended recess, a sharp disagreement has emerged between the House of Representatives and the Benue State Government over the rising insecurity and killings in Benue State.
Deputy House Spokesman Philip Agbese accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of worsening the security situation by allegedly abandoning the state’s anti-open grazing law, a move he linked to the recent spike in violent attacks. Over 50 people have reportedly been killed in the past three weeks in Ukum and Logo LGAs.
Agbese emphasized that the House would prioritize national security upon resumption, stating that Nigerians are tired of “one-minute silences” and demanding concrete action from both security agencies and political leaders. He warned that if security chiefs fail to offer new strategies, the House may recommend their replacement.
Responding through his media aide, Solomon Iorpev, Governor Alia dismissed the lawmaker’s claims, saying Agbese lacked an understanding of democratic processes. He clarified that the anti-open grazing law remains in effect and that changes to legislation must follow proper procedures.
Meanwhile, the House Committee on Public Petitions has summoned Governors Alia and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, along with their respective Houses of Assembly, to appear on May 8. The summons, based on a petition by a civil society group, questions whether the National Assembly should assume the legislative functions of the two state assemblies. Both state governments have pushed back, questioning the legality of the summons.
In a related development, internal divisions continue in the Zamfara Assembly, where a faction of lawmakers has vowed to keep sitting despite alleged intimidation from the state government. They claim they are being targeted for political reasons and have lodged complaints with security agencies.
At the Senate, lawmakers are set to prioritize the passage of President Tinubu’s tax reform bills and tackle the widespread insecurity affecting states like Benue, Plateau, and Borno. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele assured that urgent steps would be taken to support national security and constitutional reform, including a review of the Electoral Act and efforts to mediate political tensions in Rivers State.
