In a dramatic turn of events, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has upheld the position of Justice Maurice Ikpambese as the Chief Judge of Benue State, despite a fervent push by the Benue State House of Assembly for his removal.
The NJC, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Kemi Ogedengbe, reaffirmed that Justice Ikpambese would remain in office until all allegations against him were thoroughly investigated and reviewed by the council. This declaration comes amid intense political and legal wrangling over the judiciary’s independence in the state.
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Benue State House of Assembly, in a heated plenary session presided over by Speaker Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, recommended the immediate removal of Justice Ikpambese. The Assembly accused the Chief Judge of multiple infractions, ranging from abuse of office to political meddling and financial misconduct.
According to a statement read by the Majority Leader, Comr. Saater Tiseer, the House listed the following allegations against Justice Ikpambese:
Abuse of Office – Issuing directives that overturned the Benue State Electoral Law, which had been duly passed by the Assembly and assented to by the Governor.
Financial Misconduct – Allegations of misappropriation and mismanagement of budgetary allocations within the Benue State Judiciary.
Political Interference – Allegedly engaging with political figures to influence judicial outcomes.
Industrial Incitement – Accused of indirectly instigating industrial actions against the State Executive.
Bribery and Favoritism – Alleged involvement in bribery, nepotism, and appointments of cronies to judicial offices.
With 23 lawmakers voting in favor of his removal, the Assembly called for the immediate swearing-in of the next-in-line judicial officer as Acting Chief Judge of the state.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has fiercely condemned the Assembly’s recommendation, branding it as an unconstitutional overreach. In a statement jointly signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA argued that the removal of a Chief Judge must strictly follow constitutional due process, which grants such powers exclusively to the NJC.
“The removal of a judicial officer, especially one occupying the esteemed position of Chief Judge, must adhere strictly to due process as outlined in our Constitution,” the NBA stated. “Any deviation from this process is a direct affront to the rule of law and poses a significant threat to our democracy.”
The association further described the Assembly’s move as “laughable,” asserting that no state legislature has the authority to unilaterally discuss, let alone recommend, the removal of a Chief Judge without the NJC’s involvement.
The unfolding drama signals a deepening crisis between the judiciary and the legislature in Benue State. While the Assembly insists on Ikpambese’s ouster, the NJC’s firm stance underscores the judiciary’s resistance against what it perceives as political encroachment.
As the NJC proceeds with its review of the allegations, all eyes remain on Benue State, where this high-stakes battle between law and politics could set a precedent for judicial independence in Nigeria.
PIONEER NEWS 