NJC voids removal of Benue Chief Judge by House of Assembly

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has faulted the purported removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, by the State House of Assembly, describing it as unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional.

The Council drew the attention of the Benue State lawmakers to the clear and unambiguous constitutional provisions guiding the discipline and appointment of judicial officers in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, the NJC maintained that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge until complaints against her are investigated and legal steps are taken on the complaint.

The statement, signed by NJC Deputy Director of Information, Barrister Kemi Ogedengbe, read in part: “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.

“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 the discipline and appointment of judicial officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.”

The NJC admitted receiving a petition on Wednesday against the Chief Judge but said that the allegations have not been investigated in line with its investigating procedures and principles of fair hearing.

The NJC maintained that until the complaint is investigated and the Chief Judge found wanting, she remains in office as the Chief Judge.