The National Judicial Council (NJC) has affirmed that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State, dismissing attempts by the state House of Assembly to remove him from office.
In a statement released on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Kemi Ogedengbe, the NJC emphasized that Ikpambese will retain his position until all complaints against him are duly investigated and deliberated upon by the council.
“The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed a resolution recommending the removal of the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, from office,” the statement read.
“Unfortunate as this development is, the council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on discipline and appointment of judicial officers vested in the council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.”
The NJC further disclosed that while a petition against Justice Ikpambese had been received, it has yet to undergo proper investigation following due process and the principles of fair hearing.
“Although the council had this morning received a petition against Justice Maurice Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing,” the NJC stated.
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Meanwhile, the Benue State Caucus in the National Assembly has strongly condemned the removal attempt, describing it as unconstitutional and illegal.
The lawmakers declared the Assembly’s action “null and void” and urged the NJC to intervene immediately to prevent what they termed an impending constitutional crisis.
They further warned that if the situation was not addressed, the National Assembly might be compelled to take over the affairs of the Benue State House of Assembly, as provided for in the Nigerian Constitution.