 has expressed full support for the state House of Assembly’s decision to remove Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese, stating that the move was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.){kind=link}
The Benue Elders’ Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed full support for the state House of Assembly’s decision to remove Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese, stating that the move was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing in Makurdi on Saturday, the forum’s chairman, Barnabas Gemade, emphasized that the lawmakers acted within their constitutional rights.
According to him, the forum carefully examined the legislative proceedings, engaged with the assembly leadership, and concluded that the decision adhered to legal procedures.
He highlighted that the removal was endorsed by a two-thirds majority, as required by the law.
“The Benue State House of Assembly followed the constitutional guidelines stipulated in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” he stated.
Gemade further noted that the removal was based on serious allegations, including the mismanagement of N666.9 million within a year and abuse of office.
He pointed out that the chief judge acted beyond his legal mandate by granting a waiver to Section 76 of the Benue State Electoral Law, which had been duly passed by the assembly and signed into law by the governor.
The forum also commended the assembly for taking swift action against members who attempted to discredit the decision.
Addressing concerns that the assembly sanctioned the chief judge without first referring the matter to the National Judicial Council, Gemade clarified that the judge was only removed from his administrative position, not as a judicial officer, noting that both processes differ under the constitution.
Additionally, the APC elders passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu, pledging their support for their second-term bids in 2027.
In response to Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro’s call for the National Assembly to assume control of the Benue legislature, the forum dismissed the suggestion as unconstitutional.
Gemade argued that Section 11(4) of the constitution only permits such intervention when a state assembly is incapable of functioning due to a prevailing crisis.
He maintained that this was not the case in Benue, as the assembly continues to operate effectively.
“The provision in Section 11(5) clearly states that a takeover by the National Assembly is justified only when a state legislature is unable to convene or conduct its legislative business,” he explained.
The forum urged Senator Moro to focus on serving his constituents rather than attempting to disrupt the APC-led administration in Benue.
It also called on stakeholders to work towards unity and constructive engagement, rather than engaging in actions that could hinder the state’s progress.