Justice Maurice Ikpambese Remains Benue’s Chief Judge—NJC

According to the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Maurice Ikpambese will continue to serve as Chief Judge of Benue State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by a council spokesperson, Kemi Ogedengbe, the NJC stated that Ikpambese will remain the state’s chief judge until the council investigates and deliberates on the allegations filed against him.

The NJC stated that the Benue State House of Assembly’s purported dismissal of the top judge could not stand. The court stated:

“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.”

Despite this unfortunate development, the Council reiterates that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, clearly states that the Council is responsible for disciplining and appointing judicial officers, which were not followed in this case.

Although the Council received a petition this morning against Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, it has yet to be investigated in accordance with the Council’s inquiry protocol and the standards of fair hearing.”

Earlier, the Benue State Caucus in the National Assembly denounced Justice Maurice Ikpambese’s questionable dismissal as State Chief Judge.

The caucus declared the action to be both unconstitutional and illegal. The state lawmakers had also sent a strong demand to the NJC to intervene swiftly to avoid a constitutional catastrophe.

They had cautioned that failing to handle the matter could cause the National Assembly to take over the business of the Benue State House of Assembly, as stipulated by the constitution.