Benue APC Elders Throw Full Support Behind Removal of Chief Judge
The Benue All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum has strongly endorsed the recent decision of the State House of Assembly to remove the State Chief Judge, asserting that the action was carried out in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi on Saturday, the forum’s chairman, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, confirmed the unanimous support of the elders for the assembly’s decision. He explained that the forum had reviewed the circumstances surrounding the removal, engaged with the assembly’s leadership, and found that the lawmakers acted within the bounds of the law.
According to Gemade, two-thirds of the assembly members voted for the removal of the chief judge, as stipulated by the constitution. “It is clear that the Benue State House of Assembly acted within the constitutional framework outlined in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” he said.
Gemade pointed out that the decision followed serious allegations, including the mismanagement of N666.9 million in less than a year and the abuse of office by the chief judge. He also highlighted the judge’s controversial action in granting a waiver of Section 76 of the Benue State Electoral Law.
The forum also commended the assembly for swiftly sanctioning its members who attempted to undermine the collective decision. Gemade clarified that while the chief judge had been removed from office, he had not been dismissed as a judicial officer, as the constitutional processes for removing a chief judge and a judicial officer differ.
Furthermore, the forum issued a strong vote of confidence in Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu, pledging their support for their second-term bids in 2027. “We call on Governor Alia to stay focused on his developmental vision, and we urge all detractors to desist from undermining our collective progress,” Gemade said.
Regarding the call by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Abba Moro (PDP/Benue West) for the National Assembly to intervene in the Benue House of Assembly’s actions, the forum rejected the motion, calling it unconstitutional. According to Gemade, Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which allows for National Assembly intervention, only applies if the state assembly is unable to function, which is not the case in Benue.
“The Benue State House of Assembly has one leadership, maintains a full quorum at all sittings, and continues to perform its duties,” he said. “We urge Sen. Moro to focus on representing his constituents effectively rather than trying to destabilize a functioning APC government.”
The forum concluded by calling on all stakeholders in the state to prioritize unity and constructive engagement for the betterment of Benue.
