BREAKING: Benue Assembly suspends 13 lawmakers for opposing Chief Judge’s removal

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended 13 lawmakers who dissociated themselves from the recent removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambase.

The lawmakers convened after Tuesday’s plenary session to publicly reject the decision, condemning it as unconstitutional and a violation of democratic principles such as separation of powers and the right to a fair hearing.

In response, the Assembly convened an emergency session on Wednesday, where it imposed a three-month suspension on the dissenting members. The House accused them of actions that could undermine its integrity and create discord.

“The House strongly condemns the conduct of these members, some of whom voted in favor of the Chief Judge’s removal but later held a press conference to deny their participation in the decision,” Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh stated.

The suspended lawmakers include Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East), Beckie Orpin (Gboko East), Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata), Williams Ortyom (Agasha), Onah Blessed (Oju 1), and Elias Audu (Gwer East). Others are Anyor Mato (Kwande East), Manger Manger (Tarka), Solomon Gyila (Gwer West), Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo), Abraham Jabi (Buruku), and Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum).

Majority Leader Saater Tiseer recalled that during the previous plenary session, the House had received a petition from the Attorney General alleging gross misconduct, abuse of office, bribery, and corruption against Justice Ikpambase. Following deliberations, 23 out of 31 members voted in favor of his removal.

Tiseer further criticized the suspended lawmakers for reneging on their initial position, stating that their actions violated Order IX, Rule 58(6) of the House Standing Rules. He described their stance as deceptive and an afterthought, arguing that it had the potential to tarnish the House’s reputation. He then moved the motion for their suspension, which the Assembly upheld.

The controversy surrounding Justice Ikpambase’s removal has drawn widespread reactions, with legal bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, questioning the Assembly’s decision and its adherence to due process.