NJC Faults Benue Assembly, Voids Sack Of State’s Chief Judge

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has overruled the Benue State House of Assembly on its resolution recommending the removal of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, from office.

The Council, while faulting the recommendations for being unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional, drew the attention of the Benue State lawmakers to the clear and unambiguous constitutional provisions guiding discipline and appointment of judicial officers in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, the NJC maintained that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State until complaints against her were investigated and legal steps taken on the complaints.

The statement signed by NJC Deputy Director of Information, Barrister Kemi Ogedengbe, read in part: “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.

“Unfortunate as this development is, Council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on discipline and appointment of Judicial Officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.”

The NJC, however, admitted receiving a petition on Wednesday against the Benue Chief Judge but said that the allegations have not been investigated in line with its investigating procedures and principles of fair hearing.

NJC maintained that until the complaints were investigated and the Chief Judge found wanting, she remains in office as the Chief Judge of the State.