JUSUN condemns ‘removal’ of Benue Chief Judge 

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has described as an attack and a threat to Judicial independence the purported emoval of Chief Judge (CJ) of Benue state Maurice Ikpambeae by the State House of Assembly 

According to a statement signed by President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, the union also frowned at the allegations by the lawmakers that the CJ is inciting the ongoing industrial action by the union branch in Benue state.

Comrade Adamu while condemning the lawmakers’ action, said the union demands were valid.

He said the state assembly cannot remove the Chief Judge, adding that there are process and procedure for removal of such a high ranking judicial officer.

The statement reads, “the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strongly condemn the recent removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Maurice Ikpambeae  purportedly on the grounds that he is inciting the ongoing strike. 

“It is on record that the Chief of Benue state is not a member of JUSUN and cannot incite an action he is not part of.

“This action by the Benue State House of Assembly is a direct attack on judicial independence and an affront to the rule of law.

“The judiciary is an essential pillar of democracy, and any attempt to intimidate, coerce, or remove judicial officers for performing their duties is unacceptable. 

“The allegation that the Chief Judge is inciting a strike appears to be a deliberate ploy to silence the judiciary and undermine its role in upholding justice. Instead of addressing the root causes of the strike, the government has chosen to scapegoat the Chief Judge, which is a dangerous precedent for judicial officers across the country.

“We call on the relevant authorities to prevail on the Benue State House of Assembly and respect the constitutional provisions that guarantee the independence of the judiciary. The removal of a Chief Judge should follow due process, not political interference or executive high-handedness.

“Furthermore, we urge all stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organizations, and the general public, to stand against this abuse of power. If such actions are allowed to stand, it will erode public confidence in the judiciary and weaken our democracy”.