The National Judicial Council (NJC) has reaffirmed that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State, despite the Benue State House of Assembly’s recommendation for his immediate removal.
The NJC, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Kemi Ogedengbe, emphasised that Ikpambese will continue in his role until the complaints against him are thoroughly investigated and reviewed by the council.
The Benue State House of Assembly had, during a plenary session on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, presided over by Speaker Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, passed a resolution recommending Justice Ikpambese’s removal from office.
The Assembly cited gross violations of ethical codes of conduct and actions deemed incompatible with the office of a judicial officer.
In a correspondence read by the Majority Leader, Comr. Saater Tiseer, the House outlined several allegations against Justice Ikpambese, including:
- Abuse of Office: Issuing directives to overturn the Benue State Electoral Law, which had been duly passed by the Assembly and assented to by the Governor.
- Financial Misconduct: Alleged misappropriation and mismanagement of budgetary allocations and finances of the Benue State Judiciary.
- Political Interference: Accusations of engaging with politicians and political officeholders to influence judicial outcomes.
- Industrial Incitement: Alleged indirect involvement in and incitement of industrial actions against the State Executive.
- Bribery and Favouritism: Allegations of bribery, undue favouritism, and insistence on appointing cronies to unmerited positions.
During the voting process, 23 members of the House supported the resolution calling for his removal. The Assembly further demanded the immediate swearing-in of the next-in-line judicial officer as the Acting Chief Judge of Benue State.
NBA Condemns Assembly’s Recommendation
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) strongly condemned the Benue State House of Assembly’s decision, describing it as a blatant assault on the Nigerian Constitution.
In a joint statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) and General Secretary Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA asserted that the resolution was not only unjustifiable but also violated the spirit and intendment of the Constitution.
“The removal of a judicial officer, especially one occupying the esteemed position of Chief Judge, must adhere strictly to due process as outlined in our Constitution,” the NBA stated. “Any deviation from this process is a direct affront to the rule of law and poses a significant threat to our democracy.”
The association further emphasised that it is beyond the powers of any State House of Assembly to unilaterally discuss, let alone recommend, the removal of a Chief Judge without the involvement of the NJC.
“It is laughable for the House of Assembly of any state to purport to have the power to discuss, much less recommend, the removal of the Chief Judge of a state without the involvement of the National Judicial Council (NJC),” the statement read.
NJC’s Stance on the Matter
The NJC’s statement reaffirmed its exclusive constitutional authority in matters concerning the discipline and removal of judicial officers.
The council reiterated that Justice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State and will continue to serve in that capacity pending the conclusion of investigations into the allegations against him.
The controversy surrounding Justice Ikpambese’s position underscores the ongoing tension between the judiciary and legislative arms of government in Benue State.
While the House of Assembly insists on his immediate removal, the NJC and NBA have maintained that due process must be followed in addressing any concerns regarding the Chief Judge’s conduct.
The coming days will determine how this judicial standoff unfolds, as legal and constitutional experts continue to weigh in on the matter.
NBA Rejects Purported Removal of Benue Chief Judge
