Removal of Benue Chief Judge, Justice Ikpambese illegal – Benue State National Assembly Caucus

The Benue State National Assembly Caucus, on Wednesday, condemned the purported removal of the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese by the Benue State House of Assembly and demanded immediate reversal of the action.

Speaking on behalf of the caucus in a press conference held at the National Assembly, the leader of the caucus and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Moro, PhD, strongly condemned the removal of the State Chief Judge, an action he described as unconstitutional and illegal, and declared it null and void.

The federal lawmakers called for immediate reinstatement of Justice Maurice Ikpambese to continue to carry out his constitutional duties without let and hindrances. They called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) and other relevant stakeholders to intervene and prevent an impending constitutional crisis, stating that the National Assembly would take over the affairs of the Benue State House of Assembly, as provided for in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in view of the assembly’s failure to protect democracy and the constitution.

Part of the statement reads;

“The Caucus of the elected National Assembly members from Benue State resolved as follows:

“The immediate and unconditional rescission of the unconstitutionally illegal resolution to remove the State Chief Judge by the Benue State House of Assembly;

“The immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the decision of the faction of the Benue State House of Assembly to suspend some members of the House of Assembly; and

“Extension of the support of the Caucus of the elected members of the National Assembly from Benue State to those who stood on behalf of democracy and the rule of law.

“This press conference serves as a notice to National Judicial Council (NJC) to immediately step in and nip the looming crisis in the bud.

“Secondly, this press conference serves as a notice to the National Assembly to be prepared to carry out its constitutional duty to take over the affairs of the Benue State House of Assembly in view of the demonstrable act of incompetence by a section of the house of assembly to defend the constitution and democracy.”