Removal of CJ, suspension of 13 assembly members unjust, legislative rascality – APC Elders’ Council

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Members of the Elders’ Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Benue North-West Senatorial District of Benue state, have expressed concerns over recent developments in the political landscape of the state.

The elders who condemned, in strong terms, the “purported removal of the state Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese and the suspension of 13 members of the Benue State House of Assembly describing it as the highest level of legislative rascality.

Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi on Tuesday, the council who spoke through their chairman, Chief Akange Audu, and Secretary, Engr. Begha Nyamkyume, described the actions as unconstitutional, unpatriotic and unjust.

They said the suspension of the lawmakers, including seven from their Zone B senatorial district, was a disgrace and a clear violation of their rights and those of their constituents.

The council noted that the Benue State House of Assembly lacked the powers to suspend the lawmakers, citing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

They also pointed out that the suspension was done without giving the affected members a fair hearing, a development which further renders it null and void.

The council expressed worries that out of those suspended, two of them are at the same time denied their statutory entitlements, such as vehicles and their financial constituency benefits.

“These acts depict discrimination, “legislative rascality and insensitivity by the leadership of the Assembly and constitute dangerous precedents that threaten the very fabric of our democratic governance.

“It is an attempt to silent dissent and stifle the voices of the people of our Zone and deny us effective representation. It is a total denial of representation in legislation for the people of Zone B,” they fumed.

Regarding the removal of the Chief Judge, the council stated that the Benue State House of Assembly failed to comply with the relevant provisions of the Constitution, including Section 292, which requires the involvement of the National Judicial Council in the removal process.

The Council called on the Assembly to immediately withdraw the suspension of the lawmakers and provide official vehicles to the two members who were denied their statutory entitlements. They also urged the assembly to cancel the purported approval for the removal of the Chief Judge as it has been established to be a nullity.

They also urged all political actors, including the National Assembly and relevant authorities, to like the NBA, condemn the actions of the Benue State House of Assembly and uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

The Council also urged them to engage in dialogue and to prioritize the welfare of the people of Benue state above personal and political interests.