Ikpambese: We Stand In Solidarity With BNHA – Benue APC Elders’ Forum

……Approve Sanctions Meted Out To 13 Suspended Lawmakers

MAKURDI: The All Progressives Congress (APC), Elders’ Forum in Benue State said it stands in solidarity with members of the Benue State House of Assembly (BNHA) over the purported removal of the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.

While the group said it has thoroughly examined the circumstance surrounding the removal of Justice Ikpambese, it was also of the view that the assembly acted within the constitutional framework as outlined in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Speaking on behalf of elders of the Forum, a former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Barnabas Gemade, said that the group also approved of the suspension of 13 members of the assembly who allegedly turned around and rejected the removal of the Chief Judge.

Gemade, who spoke at a press conference held at his residence in Makurdi last weekend, urged the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to remain focused on his vision for development, even as he advised those allegedly distracting the governor to desist from such actions.

He explained that “We, the APC Benue Elders’ Forum address the press on recent political developments within our state, particularly concerning the removal of the Chief Judge (Justice Maurice Ikpambese) by the Benue State House of Assembly.

“First and foremost, we wish to express our unwavering confidence in the Government of Benue State. The administration has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens and enhance the overall fortunes of the state.

“We call upon our Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to remain steadfast and focused on his vision for development, urging all detractors to refrain from ill-motivated interference that could hinder our collective progress.

“On the same pedestal, we passed a resounding vote of confidence in His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining faith with the Renewed Hope Agenda. As we massively voted for Rev. Fr. Hyacinth iormen Alia and the President in 2023 general elections, Benue state is prepared to relive history come 2027”, he pledged.

Furthermore, he observed that “After a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese’s removal, it is clear that the Benue State House of Assembly acted within the constitutional framework outlined in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“We stand in solidarity with the Assembly on this decision, especially given the serious allegations that necessitated such action including mismanagement of the sum of N666,984,687.20k in less than one year and manifest abuse of office by acting outside the scope of his work as the Chief Judge evidenced in granting a waiver of Section 76 of the Benue State Electoral law duly pass by the Benue Assembly and assented to by the Executive Governor of Benue State amongst other grievous misconduct.

“We further commend the State Assembly for promptly sanctioning their erring members who attempted to ridicule the serious business of the house when in one breath they voted along with their colleagues for the removal of the Chief Judge and in another breath stepped outside the house chambers and immediately addressed a press conference castigating the same decision they had just supported by a more than two-thirds majority vote.”

Similarly, Senator Gemade said, “We cannot end this press conference without addressing the recent motion introduced by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, which calls for the National Assembly to intervene in the affairs of the Benue State House of Assembly. This motion is not only misguided but also demonstrates his lack of understanding of the constitutional process.

“The constitutional provision (sections 11(4)) which mandates the National Assembly to take over the functions of the State Assembly can only be activated when the State Assembly is unable to perform its functions by reasons of a situation prevailing in the state. The very next S.11(5) explicitly defines the inability of the house to perform its functions as when the house is unable to hold a meeting and transact its business.

“Benue State House of Assembly has one leadership, enjoys full quorum at all sittings and has continuously been performing its functions. There is therefore no merit in Senator Abba Moro’s invitation to meddlesomeness.

“Further on this point, we wonder why Sen. Moro who, as a leader in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has turned a blind eye to the monumental crises affecting the River State House of Assembly where the PDP controlled State Government has chosen to recognize and deal with a three member faction of the River State House of Assembly.

“As Elders in his state, we urge Sen Moro to focus on providing quality representation to his constituents rather than his desperate attempt to destabilize a performing APC administration in his home state.

“Finally, we call on all stakeholders in Benue State to prioritize unity and cooperation. We urge the opposition to engage constructively rather than seeking to undermine our progress.

“The APC Benue Elders’ Forum remains committed to supporting our state government and ensuring that Benue continues on its trajectory of development which had eluded the state in its recent past”, Gemade observed on behalf of members of the Benue APC Elders’ Forum.