Intervene In Benue Judiciary Crisis Now, CSOs Tell Federal Gov’t

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition for Good Governance and Transparency in Nigeria (CGGTN), has called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently intervene in the crisis rocking the Benue State judiciary.

The group said failure of the NJC and the attorney general of the federation to wade into the matter as it affects the state’s ’embattled’ Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, it will occupy the NJC premises in a mass protest to press home its demand to save democracy and restore order in Benue.

The Benue State House of Assembly had removed Justice Ikpambese over allegations of compromise, sabotage and bias.

However, the NJC rejected the removal of the Chief Judge labeling it unconstitutional and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

But speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the group led by Okpanachi Jacob, gave the NJC 48 hours ultimatum to constitute a panel to investigate Justice Ikpambese over alleged acts of compromise, sabotage and bias.

He said: “the Benue State House of Assembly passed a resolution and recommended the removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Honorable Maurice Ikpambese based on petitions received on his alleged misconduct, abuse of office among other infractions.

“The House relied on section 292 subsection (3) of the 1999 constitution as amended which states that, the Chief Judge of a State can be removed from office if it is backed by two third majority of the State House of Assembly.

“Let it be on record that, there is no part of the constitution that empowers the NJC to remove a Chief Judge from office but to discipline and recommend same to the governor of a state who has the powers to remove a chief judge if found wanting.

“Most worrisome, is the political waiver granted by the embattled Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Ikpambese to petitioners of the local government election petition tribunal which is a clear case of bias, favoritism, compromise and political interest. It is unholy for a Chief Judge of a state who set up the election petition tribunal panel and also constituted the appeal panel to have shown such bias, which is already a miscarriage of justice.

“We strongly call on the Benue State Governor and the State House of Assembly not succumb to the antics of the political enemies within and outside Benue State who are now using some officials to distract this current purposeful and working government in the state.

“While we give the NJC 48 hours ultimatum to constitute panel, investigate, and prosecute Justice Ikpambese for his wrongful act of compromise, sabotage and bias, we recommend the Governor of Benue State Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormen Alia to immediately swear in the next judge in line as the Acting Chief Judge of State.

“We call on the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately intervene and ensure the constitutional provision of the rights and privileges of the Benue State House of Assembly members as well, the constitutional powers of the Executive Governor who has the powers to remove a Chief Judge in line with section 292 of the 1999 constitution as amended should be exercised.

“We make bold to say that, failure of the NJC and the Attorney General of the Federation to read the riot act to Justice Ikpambese and advise he step outside, we shall occupy the NJC premises in a mass protest to press home our demand, we will do this to save democracy and restore order in Benue State,” he added.