Benue’s Chief Judge Scandal: NJC Declares House of Assembly’s Move Invalid
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has declared that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the rightful Chief Judge of Benue State, dismissing the Benue State House of Assembly’s attempt to remove him as unconstitutional and void.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC spokesperson Kemi Ogedengbe, the Council emphasized that the removal of the Chief Judge cannot stand until the complaints against him are fully investigated. The NJC made it clear that the Benue House of Assembly had failed to follow proper constitutional procedures in seeking Ikpambese’s removal.
The statement pointed out that although the NJC had received a petition against Ikpambese, it had not yet gone through the necessary investigation process, ensuring fairness as mandated by law.
The Benue State Caucus in the National Assembly also voiced strong opposition to the move, branding it illegal and unconstitutional. They declared the action null and void, urging the NJC to step in and prevent what could escalate into a constitutional crisis. The lawmakers even warned that if the matter wasn’t resolved, the National Assembly might intervene by taking over the affairs of the Benue House of Assembly, as permitted by the constitution.
