The National Judicial Council (NJC) has reaffirmed that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State, despite moves by the Benue State House of Assembly to remove him.
In a statement on Wednesday, NJC spokesperson, Kemi Ogedengbe stated that the purported removal of Ikpambese cannot stand, as the council has not yet investigated or deliberated on the petition against him.
Part of the statement read: “The attention of the NJC has been drawn to reports that the Benue State House of Assembly has passed a resolution recommending the removal of the Chief Judge.
“Council wishes to reiterate that the Constitution clearly vests the discipline and appointment of judicial officers in the NJC, and due process has not been followed in this case.”
The NJC confirmed that while it had received a petition against Justice Ikpambese, the matter is still under review and will be handled in line with fair hearing principles.
NEW DAILY PRIME reported on Wednesday that following a petition by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, who accused the state Chief Judge, Maurice Ikpambese of abuse of office, tempering with the state local government election law, corruption, inciting judicial strikes, bribery and fraternising with politicians, the Benue State House of Assembly removed the chief Judge.
Consequently, the assembly recommended the swearing in of Justice Theresa Igoche, who is the next most senior judge as the acting chief judge of the state.
However, lawmakers were divided on the issue as 13 out of the 31 members rejected the removal of the chief judge, distancing themselves from the decision after plenary on Tuesday, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of judicial independence and fair hearing.
