The Benue South Progressive Forum (BSPF) has called the removal of Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, and the suspension of some members of the State Assembly as the height of illegality in the state.
The forum further berated and condemned recent developments, which included alleged state-backed thuggery in Benue State.
In a communiqué issued after its seventh ordinary meeting in Abuja on February 25, 2025, the forum decried the alleged unconstitutional removal of the Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
The group aligned with other voices rejecting the action, calling it a violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.
They commended the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for intervening to prevent the removal.
The forum also strongly opposed the suspension of 13 members of the Benue State House of Assembly by the Speaker, describing it as arbitrary and a threat to legislative independence.
It, however, praised the Benue State Caucus in the National Assembly for launching an investigation and urged that the suspended lawmakers’ privileges be protected under the Powers and Legislative Privileges Act of 2017.
Furthermore, the group accused the state government of fostering insecurity through the alleged use of political thugs to intimidate individuals and disrupt public activities.
They cited instances where church thanksgiving programmes of prominent Benue politicians, including Senators Titus Zam and Emmanuel Udende, were disrupted.
Calling for peace and stability, the forum urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to focus on governance and delivering democratic dividends to the people rather than engaging in political conflicts.
The communiqué was signed by Chief Sylvester Ameh-Ojebo, Hon. Chief Agbo Ogah, Arc. Chief Tony Obekpa, Hon. David Idoko, Hon. Benard Otsepa, Amb. Matthew Adoli, Lady Kate Ijogi, Prof. Christy Ekoja, Lady Susan Abuh, and Lady Catherine Abechi on behalf of other members.
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