The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has postponed its hearing on a petition requesting the National Assembly to assume the legislative functions of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly. The committee has rescheduled the hearing for May 28, 2025.

Committee Chairman Bitrus Laori (PDP, Adamawa) announced the adjournment on Wednesday in Abuja, citing ongoing court proceedings as the primary reason for the delay.

According to Laori, the committee received court documents showing that the matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Makurdi under Suit No. FHC/MKD/CS/146/2025, which was filed on May 5. The next court session is scheduled for May 19, 2025.

"In view of the court processes and the request for dialogue, the decision on whether to proceed with the petition will be made on May 28," Laori stated.

The chairman also revealed that the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly had written to both the Senate and House of Representatives Benue caucuses, requesting dialogue regarding the situation.

The petition in question calls for the National Assembly to intervene and take over the legislative functions of both state assemblies, a move that would have significant implications for state governance and federal-state relations.

The committee's final decision on whether to proceed with hearing the petition will now depend on the outcome of both the court proceedings and the requested dialogue between the Benue State House of Assembly and federal lawmakers from the state.