….. As 13 lawmakers kick against

The Benue State House of Assembly has proposed the dismissal of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, due to purported gross misconduct and misuse of authority.

The Assembly asserted that his removal would allow the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to conduct an investigation into the accusations made against him.

Furthermore, in a resolution passed on Tuesday, the Assembly suggested that the next senior Judge be sworn in to occupy the position that would be vacated by his dismissal.

The resolution of the House followed a correspondence from Governor Hyacinth Alia and read on the floor of the House by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tersee.

The correspondence alleged that the Chief Judge violated the ethical standard of the judicial system.

The Chief Judge was alleged to have overturned the Benue State Electoral law that was duly passed by the State Assembly and signed into law by the State Governor.

Justice Ikpambese was also accused of allegedly misappropriating the 2024 budgetary allocation of the Judiciary.

He was accused of undue favouritism, engaging with politicians and also being indirectly involved in the industrial action by judicial workers against the government.

The Chief Whip of the House, Peter Ipusu said the Chief Judge erred by tampering with the electoral law made by the State Assembly.

Calling for the matter to be put to vote, the lawmaker representing Gboko East, Becky Orpin moved a motion for members to vote on the matter. Her motion was seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Blessed Onah.

Given the heated argument for and against the removal of the Chief Judge, the Speaker of the House, Aondona Dajoh asked the Clerk of the House, Mr. John Kwande to divide the House which saw 23 of the 32 member House voting for the removal of Justice Ikpambese.

Thirteen members of the Benue Assembly have distanced themselves from what they described as the purported resolution to remove the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.

Some of the lawmakers earlier declared Ikpambese removed over alleged abuse of office and financial impropriety.

Hon Douglas Akya of Makurdi South Constituency said they dissociated themselves from the action while addressing journalists at the residence of Hon Beckie Orpin, in Makurdi.

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.

They said: “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 submitted 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.