The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended 13 members who publicly dissociated themselves from the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese. The lawmakers had previously voted in favor of the Chief Judge’s removal but later held a press conference denying their support for the motion. The House described their actions as dishonorable and capable of causing acrimony within the Assembly. The suspended members include:
- Douglas Akya (Makurdi South)
- Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East)
- Beckie Orpin (Gboko East)
- Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata)
- Williams Ortyom (Agasha)
- Onah Blessed (Oju 1)
- Elias Audu (Gwer East)
- Anyor Mato (Kwande East)
- Manger Manger (Tarka)
- Solomon Gyila (Gwer West)
- Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo)
- Abraham Jabi (Buruku)
- Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum)
The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, noted that the House had received a petition from the Attorney General accusing Justice Ikpambese of gross misconduct, abuse of office, bribery, and corruption. After deliberations, the House held a vote in which 23 out of 31 members present supported the Chief Judge’s removal. However, after the resolution was adopted, the 13 suspended members retracted their stance, publicly dissociating themselves from the process. Tiseer argued that their actions contradicted the House Standing Rules and described their retraction as a deceptive posture meant to cast aspersions on the Assembly. He, therefore, moved for their suspension for three months, a motion which the House upheld.
In response, the suspended lawmakers rejected their suspension, declaring the resolution of the House as null, void, and an attempt to subdue democracy and intimidate them. They maintained that the House erred because it lacked the powers to suspend members beyond 14 days as provided in Order 10, rule 73 of the House. They also emphasized that the House failed to give the Chief Judge fair hearing and denied them fair hearing before arriving at its resolutions. The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to due process and the rule of law, urging the public to disregard misinformation about the Chief Judge’s suspension.
Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has overruled the Benue State House of Assembly on its purported resolution recommending the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, from office. The NJC described the recommendation as unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional, emphasizing that the Chief Judge remains in office until the complaints against her are investigated and due legal procedures are followed.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also criticized the resolution by the Benue State House of Assembly, describing it as unjustifiable and a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The NBA emphasized that the removal of a judicial officer, especially one occupying the esteemed position of Chief Judge, must adhere strictly to due process as outlined in the Constitution.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates and legal challenges surrounding the actions of the Benue State House of Assembly.
Benue Assembly’s Suspension of 13 Members Sparks Legal Reactions
