36 state assemblies unify rules on lawmakers’ suspension, impeachment
To tackle discrepancies in suspension, impeachment of members and other legislative procedures, the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly have adopted and ratified the use of harmonised standing orders.
The rules to be adopted at each of the 36 Houses of Assembly aim to ensure unity across the states in implementing disciplinary issues of suspension and impeachment, removal of presiding officers and other members, the conduct of budgetary processes, and confirmation of appointments forwarded by the executive arm of government.
The harmonised orders also deal with the conduct of the election of presiding officers, adoption of legislative reports, statutory reports, and resolutions, ratifying constitutional alterations and treaties, the establishment of special, ad hoc committees, and the conduct of executive sessions.
The harmonised standing orders were adopted and ratified when the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria converged on Lagos, on Thursday, for a workshop organised by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Adebo Ogundoyin, noted that by adopting the harmonised standing orders, Nigeria was joining other countries like the United States of America, South Africa and Rwanda which had harmonised legislative frameworks.
Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, noted that the harmonised standing orders for states would ensure that state legislatures have standardised rules, which would give their actions and ensure accountable governance.
Ogundoyin expressed optimism that the various Houses of Assembly would adopt the uniform rules for use in their states, within the next three months.
“This monumental step forward, which began in 2021 is not just a procedural reform; it is a strategic step towards strengthening the efficiency, transparency, and uniformity of legislative operations across all states Houses of Assembly. By standardising our legislative rules, we are enhancing collaboration, improving legislative oversight, and ultimately ensuring a more responsive and accountable governance framework at the sub-national level.
“We are happy to draw inspiration from our partners, the German Government and the United States of America, whose 50 states operate a centralised standing order.
“On the African continent, South Africa and Rwanda stand tall in this regard, and Nigeria is set to join the list of countries with harmonised legislative frameworks, further solidifying our commitment to democratic governance and institutional strengthening,” Ogundoyin said.
Setting the tone for the event, Resident Representative, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Nigeria, Marija Peran, said harmonising the assemblies’ rules aimed to create a standardised approach that fosters collaboration, reduces procedural discrepancies and enhances the overall effectiveness of the legislative bodies.
Pointing to the imbroglio in the Lagos and Rivers states Houses of Assembly, Peran noted that the harmonisation of standing orders would ensure consistency, transparency and efficiency in the legislative processes.
With the harmonised standing orders, she said state Houses of Assembly were on the path of a more cohesive legislative environment.
“We are only two and a half months into 2025 and some states’ Houses of Assembly have already been shaken up massively. This shows us that we cannot take either stability or democratic processes for granted.
“As we further embark on this journey, it is essential to reflect on the significance of uniform standing orders within the states’ Houses of Assembly. These orders serve as the backbone of legislative procedures, ensuring consistency, transparency and efficiency in the legislative processes.
“The objectives of harmonising these orders are clear: to create a standardised approach that fosters collaboration, reduces procedural discrepancies and enhances the overall effectiveness of the legislative bodies,” she said.
The Director-General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman, noted the vulnerability of legislatures as a result of executive interference.
He stressed that the standardisation of Standing Orders would ensure procedural clarity, uniformity in legislative conduct, and the protection of legislative autonomy.
“By doing so, we can build a resilient legislative system where state assemblies operate effectively, free from external disruptions,” Abubakar said.
He added: “We must reflect deeply on the lessons from Rivers, Lagos states and other similar incidents in the past. A harmonised framework for legislative rules across the states will help promote consistency in parliamentary practice, strengthen legislative independence, and create safeguards against undue executive and judicial interventions.”
Work on the harmonised standing orders began in 2016 before Thursday’s adoption and ratification.
