The National Judicial Council (NJC) has overruled the decision of the Benue State House of Assembly, saying Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by a spokesperson for the council, Kemi Ogedengbe, the NJC said Ikpambese remains the state’s chief judge until the complaints brought against the chief judge are investigated and deliberated upon by the council.
The NJC said the purported removal of the chief judge by the Benue State House of Assembly cannot stand.
The judicial council said, “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, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese from office.
“Unfortunate as this development is, 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.
“Although, the Council had this morning received a petition against Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with Council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing.”
Earlier, the Benue State Caucus in the National Assembly condemned the controversial removal of the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
Describing the action as unconstitutional and illegal, the caucus declared it null and void. The lawmakers from the state had also issued a strong call for the NJC to intervene immediately and prevent an impending constitutional crisis.
They had warned that failure to address the situation could force the National Assembly to take over the affairs of the Benue State House of Assembly as provided for in the constitution.
