Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese,
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday recommended the removal of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, from office over alleged gross misconduct, and abuse of office.
This is to pave the way for the National Judicial Commission (NJC), to investigate the allegations leveled against the Chief Judge.
In a resolution, the lawmakers also recommended the swearing in of the next senior Judge so as to fill the vacuum that would be created by his removal.
The action of the legislators followed a correspondence from Governor Hyacinth Alia and read on the floor of the House by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Terseer.
In the correspondence, it was alleged that the Chief Judge violated the ethical standard of the judicial system and has allegedly overturned the Benue State Electoral law that was duly passed by the State Assembly and signed into law by the State Governor.
The chief judge was also accused of allegedly misappropriating the 2024 budgetary allocation of the Judiciary as well as undue favouritism, engaging with politicians and also being indirectly involved in the industrial action by judicial workers against the government.
After the heated argument, the lawmaker resolved to vote and 23 of the 32 members voted for the removal of Justice Ikpambese.
Meanwhile, thirteen members of the Benue Assembly have distanced themselves from what they described as the purported resolution to remove the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambe.
Briefing journalists in Makurdi, Hon Douglas Akya of Makurdi South Constituency said they dissociated themselves from the action.
The other lawmakers at the briefing include: Hon William Ortyom – Agasha; Hon Jonathan Agbidye – Katsina-Ala East; Hon Samuel Anyor Matu – Kwande East; Hon Pastor Onah Blessed – Oju 1; Orpin Beckie – Gboko East; Hon Elias Terumbur Audu – Gwer East; Hon Nyiyongo Ezra – Ukum; Hon Abraham Zahemen Jabi – Buruku; Hon Gabo Simon – Mata; Hon Samuel Agada – Ogbadibo; Hon Gyila Solomon T – Gwer West; Hon Manger M Manger – Tarka.
According to them “This action is not only unconstitutional, it violates the principles of separation of powers and fair hearing which is necessary for the sustenance of democracy.
“The provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, clearly states a Chief Judge of a state can only be removed on recommendation of the National Judicial Council which is responsible for disciplinary actions against judicial officers on an address supported by two-third majority of members of the House of Assembly of a state praying for the removal of the state Chief Judge.”
“The attendance at today’s sitting was 31 members, the Speaker did not vote, and 13 members did not vote, therefore, it is unimaginable that in an Assembly of 32 members where 31 were in attendance and 13 members did not vote, the voting produced 23 votes,” he stressed.
They insisted that since none of the requirements for the removal of the Chief Judge had been met, they decided to distance themselves from the action as disciples of democracy and constitutionality.
