The House of Representatives has officially denied summoning the Speakers of Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly regarding ongoing political disputes in the two states.

In an official letter dated Thursday, May 8, 2025, signed by Professor Jake Dan-Azumi, Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the federal legislative body clarified that it had no record of referring the matter to its Committee on Public Petitions.

The letter, addressed to the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, was in response to correspondence regarding alleged summons issued to the state legislative leaders.

"I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter concerning the summons issued to the Honourable Speakers of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly, and to respectfully inform you that the House of Representatives has no record of a referral of the matter to the Committee on Public Petitions," the letter stated.

The House of Representatives further reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the constitutional autonomy of State Legislatures as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The federal legislative body also expressed regret over any misunderstanding that may have arisen from the situation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper constitutional boundaries between federal and state legislative authorities.

Both Benue and Zamfara states have experienced political tensions in recent months, though the specific nature of the disputes that prompted the alleged summons was not detailed in the communication.

This clarification comes amid growing concerns about federal interference in state affairs, with the House of Representatives taking a clear position on respecting the constitutional autonomy of state legislative bodies.