Nigeria’s National Judicial Council (NJC) has said that Justice Maurice Ikpambese will continue to serve as the Chief Judge of Benue State until the council reviews and deliberates on the complaints against him.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the council’s spokesperson, Kemi Ogedengbe, it was made clear that the alleged removal of the Chief Judge by the Benue State House of Assembly is invalid.
“The National Judicial Council has become aware of a media report indicating that the Benue State House of Assembly has supposedly passed a Resolution recommending the dismissal of the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
“Unfortunate as this development is, Council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on discipline and appointment of Judicial Officers vested in the Council, which are not adhered to in the instant case.
“Although, the Council had this morning received a petition against Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with Council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing.”
Previously, the Benue State Caucus in the National Assembly expressed their disapproval of the controversial dismissal of Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
Labelling the action unconstitutional and unlawful, the caucus declared it to be without effect. The lawmakers from Benue State also urged the NJC to step in promptly to avert a potential constitutional crisis.
They cautioned that not addressing the matter could lead to the National Assembly assuming control over the Benue State House of Assembly as stipulated by the constitution.
