*To Investigate Benue Chief Judge’s Removal, Report Back in Two Weeks
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The Senate has launched an investigation into the purported removal of Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, in line with constitutional provisions.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, led by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonire (APC, Ondo Central), has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive investigation and report back within two weeks.
The Senate also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene immediately and take steps to reverse what it described as an illegal and unconstitutional resolution by the Benue State House of Assembly.
The Senate’s resolutions followed a motion titled: “Looming Constitutional Crisis in Benue State Stemming from the Purported Removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State: Urgent Need for Senate Intervention.”
The motion was sponsored by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), and co-sponsored by the other two Benue senators.
In his presentation, Senator Moro emphasized the constitutional violation, stating:
“The National Assembly, as the highest law-making body in Nigeria, has a duty to protect and preserve the Constitution and ensure compliance with its provisions. There is a looming constitutional crisis in Benue State, stemming from the purported removal of Justice Maurice Ikpambese by the Benue State House of Assembly without following the due process of law.”
He further cited Sections 153 and 271 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which clearly state that only the NJC has the authority to appoint or remove a state Chief Judge. He added that Section 292(1)(a) outlines the specific step-by-step procedure for the removal of a Chief Judge, which the Benue Assembly failed to follow.
Senator Titus Zam (APC, Benue North West), who seconded the motion, revealed that 14 members of the Assembly objected to the removal and were later suspended. He alleged that the Speaker was acting on a political script, warning of a looming constitutional crisis if the matter is not addressed.
Senator Emmanuel Udende (APC, Benue North East) argued that the Assembly’s action exceeded its constitutional powers and urged the Senate to prevent the crisis from escalating.
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) condemned the flagrant violation of the Constitution, emphasizing that the NJC had already issued a statement affirming its authority over judicial appointments and removals. He also noted that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had publicly denounced the illegal removal.
“No institution should support a violation of the Constitution,” Dickson stated. “The motion highlights our collective concern, and no politician should be allowed to undermine constitutional provisions.”
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Senator Moro for adopting a bipartisan approach, noting the support from the two APC senators from Benue.
Akpabio stressed that the Senate’s intervention was in the national interest, saying:
“Our resolution supports the NJC’s authority and empowers the Judiciary Committee to address this matter swiftly and constitutionally.”
The Senate’s investigation is expected to provide clarity on the legality of Justice Ikpambese’s removal and restore constitutional order in Benue State.
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