NJC Overrules Benue Assembly, Declares CJ’s Suspension Illegal
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has declared the suspension of Benue State Chief Judge, Maurice Ikpambese, by the state House of Assembly as unconstitutional and nullified the decision.
In a statement issued yesterday by its spokesperson, Kemi Ogendengbe, the NJC condemned the Assembly’s action, describing it as a violation of constitutional provisions on judicial discipline. The council reiterated that only it has the authority to investigate and discipline judicial officers.
“The attention of the NJC 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 1999 Constitution on discipline and appointment of judicial officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case,” the statement read.
The Benue Assembly had accused Ikpambese of financial mismanagement, bribery, and undue political interference. The motion for his suspension was moved by Majority Leader Saater Tiseer and seconded by Peter Ipusu.
In response, NJC emphasized that it had received a petition against Ikpambese but had yet to investigate it in line with due process and the principle 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,” the statement added.
Read also: Benue Lawmakers Split Over Chief Judge’s Removal, 13 Members Reject Decision
In a related development, the Benue Assembly suspended 13 lawmakers for publicly opposing the CJ’s removal. The suspended members, led by Douglas Akya, held a press conference dissociating themselves from the decision, prompting Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh to penalize them for what he described as “dishonourable actions.”
The Speaker also directed the Assembly Clerk to withhold their travel allowances and prevent them from embarking on an official trip to London.
The NJC’s stance reinforces its authority over judicial matters, making it clear that political interference in judicial affairs will not be tolerated.
