The conflict surrounding Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, has escalated following his accusations that the state government is trying to remove him for resisting pressure to appoint government-favored judges to the local government election petitions tribunal.
In a viral video filmed at a burial ceremony, Justice Ikpambese claimed that he was being targeted because he refused to select judges aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration. He alleged that public funds were being used against him, though he emphasized support from the National Judicial Council (NJC) in Abuja.
“They are using development funds to fight me, but they will fail because the people in Abuja (NJC) are behind me,” Ikpambese said.
The embattled Chief Judge also described an incident where two truckloads of sand were dumped at the entrance to the High Court Complex, which he believes was an attempt to block access to his office. He further explained that his role in selecting judges is based on prayer and thorough screening to ensure only those deemed fit are chosen.
