The National Judicial Council (NJC) has affirmed that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State.
This statement comes in the wake of reports that the Benue State House of Assembly had passed a resolution calling for the removal of the state’s Chief Judge.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, signed by the NJC’s spokesperson, Kemi Ogedengbe, the council emphasized that the removal of Justice Ikpambese could not stand.
The NJC clarified that the alleged resolution was not in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which governs the discipline and appointment of judicial officers.
“The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed a Resolution recommending the removal of the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese from office,” the statement read.
“Council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution on discipline and appointment of Judicial Officers vested in the Council, which were not adhered to in this instance.”
The NJC further stated that although it had received a petition against Justice Ikpambese, it had not yet been investigated.
The council assured that the petition would be addressed in accordance with its established investigation procedures and principles of fair hearing.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Caucus in the National Assembly condemned the House of Assembly’s move, describing it as both unconstitutional and illegal.
The lawmakers declared the resolution null and void, calling for immediate intervention by the NJC to avert a potential constitutional crisis.
In a statement, the caucus warned that if the matter was not promptly addressed, the National Assembly might be forced to intervene, including taking over the affairs of the Benue State House of Assembly as allowed under the Nigerian Constitution.
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