Benue Assembly recommends CJ’s removal over Alia’s petition

The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday recommended the immediate removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, over allegations of gross misconduct and violations of judicial ethics.

The Chief Judge is accused of engaging in acts deemed incompatible with the status of a judicial officer in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The recommendation followed a correspondence from Governor Hyacinth Alia, which was read during plenary by the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer.

In the letter, the governor accused Justice Ikpambese of abuse of office by overturning the Benue State Electoral Law, which had been passed by the House of Assembly and assented to by the governor.

He also alleged financial mismanagement, claiming that the Chief Judge misappropriated budgetary allocations meant for the judiciary.

The governor further accused him of interfering with judicial processes by engaging with politicians and political officeholders to influence court rulings.

Justice Ikpambese was also alleged to have played a role in inciting industrial action against the state executive.

Additionally, there were accusations of bribery, corruption, and favoritism, with claims that he ensured unqualified individuals were appointed to key positions.

During the session, Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh directed the Clerk to divide the House after opposing interests were presented.

Following the division, 23 out of the 31 lawmakers voted in favour of removing the Chief Judge.

With this decision, the recommendation now awaits further action from the executive arm of the state government.

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