Following a petition from Governor Iormem Alia, the Benue Assembly recommended the removal of the Chief Judge, Justice Ikpambese.
Gov Alia has been in a running battle with the SGF Akume over leadership of the Party structure in the State
PRESS STATEMENT
NJC Reacts to the purported sack of the Benue State Chief Judge
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 discipline and appointment of Judicial Officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.
Although, the Council had this morning received a petition against Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with Council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing.
As far as Council is therefore concerned, until the complaint is investigated and deliberated upon by it, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State.
Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe
Deputy Director (Information)
National Judicial Council
