Group Urges CBN, Accountant General to Halt Allocations to Zamfara, Benue Over Assembly Crisis

…hails FG’s action on Osun LG funds

A civil society group, the Coalition for Democratic Governance in Africa (CDGA), has urged the Federal Government to suspend the monthly statutory allocations to Zamfara and Benue until their state houses of assembly are properly constituted and functional.

In a statement signed by the group’s convener, Dr. Paul Barka, CDGA argued that it is unconstitutional and dangerous for governors to continue running state affairs without oversight from duly constituted legislatures.

The group said allowing such situations to persist sends a worrying signal about the health of Nigeria’s democracy and emboldens executive impunity.

The group pointed to recent actions taken against Osun State by the Federal Government, where local government funds were withheld over alleged violations of democratic procedures.

CDGA commended this move and urged that the same standards be applied across board — particularly in Zamfara and Benue, where legislative functions have been effectively suspended or reduced to a rubber-stamp process.

“We commend the decision of the Federal Government to withhold allocations to local governments in Osun State pending the restoration of democratic order at that level. This is a positive step and a clear message that breaches of the Constitution will not be tolerated,” the statement read.

“However, the same energy must be directed to Benue and Zamfara states, where governors are operating in the absence of fully functional Houses of Assembly. If the Federal Government is serious about protecting democracy, it must apply the same sanctions across the board.”

According to the group, both Zamfara and Benue are currently in clear violation of constitutional provisions, as governors in these states are taking major decisions — including the signing of budgets and appointments — without the backing of properly constituted legislatures.

In Zamfara, 10 members ao the state house of assembly were suspended for speaking against the rising insecurity and absence of governance in the state.

In Benue, the executive arm has been accused of deliberately sidelining the legislature, reducing it to a ceremonial institution.

“This is not just about technicalities. What we are seeing is a dangerous precedent where governors sidestep democratic structures, rule by fiat, and still collect public funds meant to be spent under the scrutiny of elected legislators. That is unacceptable,” Barka declared.

The group said continued federal allocations under such circumstances not only violate the Constitution but also reward governors for undemocratic behaviour.

“It is important for the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Office of the Accountant General to ensure that funds are not released to state governments that are in clear violation of constitutional norms,” the statement added.

“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not provide for sole administrators or military-style governance at the state level. When governors act without legislative checks, they become dictators cloaked in democracy. That is not what Nigerians voted for.”

CDGA said the withholding of funds should serve as a temporary measure to compel compliance with constitutional provisions, not as a permanent punishment.

The group urged political leaders in both states to quickly resolve the internal crises within their assemblies and return their legislatures to full functionality.

“The idea is not to punish citizens but to protect them from governance without accountability. When governors act without legislative scrutiny, budgets can be inflated, contracts can be awarded without due process, and public funds can be mismanaged without consequence,” Dr. Barka warned.

The pro-democracy group also called on the National Assembly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and international democracy observers to take interest in the state of democracy in Benue and Zamfara.

“Nigeria cannot continue to preach democracy and practice autocracy in the states. These issues go beyond politics — they strike at the very heart of governance, accountability, and the rule of law,” he added.

“We call on the National Assembly, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to intervene before Zamfara and Benue slide into full blown dictatorship right before our eyes.”

The group concluded by urging the media and other civil society organisations to join in advocating for democratic restoration in Benue and Zamfara.

It maintained that the nation’s democracy is only as strong as its weakest link, and that allowing state governments to operate without checks and balances endangers the entire federal system.

“Nigeria’s democracy must not be reduced to an election-day ritual. It must be seen in the day-to-day workings of government at all levels. And if any level is faltering, it is the duty of federal institutions, civil society, and the public to act.”