Benue govt insists on Ikpambese’s removal as chief judge
The Benue government has said Maurice Ikpambese’s removal as the state’s chief judge stands.
Tersoo Kula, the chief press secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, said this in a statement, urging the embattled CJ to prepare to defend the allegations against him by the state government.
”The CJ is advised to defend the allegations against him at the National Judicial Commission and stop making unnecessary public statements to whip up sentiments,” said Mr Kula. “We advise the embattled Judge to prepare to defend himself at the NJC.”
He insisted that the state assembly acted within the Nigerian 1999 constitution.
“The government is strong in the opinion that the lawmakers acted in the overall interest of the state and in line with Section 292(1)(a) (ii) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides that a chief judge may only be disposed of by the governor, acting on an address supported by two-thirds of the House of Assembly.
“Ikpambese’s alleged sins and malfeasances have since been forwarded to NJC for adjudication and discipline as enshrined in section 153(1)(i) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” he said.
On February 19, the NJC insisted that Mr Ikpambese remained the chief judge of Benue.
In a statement signed by a spokesperson for the council, Kemi Ogedengbe, the NJC said Mr Ikpambese remains the state’s chief judge until the complaints brought against him are investigated and deliberated upon by the council.
The NJC said the Benue State House of Assembly’s purported removal of the chief judge is unjustified.
“Unfortunate as this development is, the 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.
“Although the council had this morning received a petition against Justice Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with Council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing,” the council said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
NPC seeks climate resilience, data-driven policies to manage population growth
The NPC chairman highlighted maternal and child health as a pressing concern, noting that Nigeria still records one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally.
Abuja
Court sentences chef to 10-day community service for stealing bottled water, chicken
The prosecutor said the convict stole five bottles of water, five pieces of chicken, five sachets of detergent, five sachets of vegetable oil, and one tin of tomatoes.
States
Kebbi: Gov. Namadi reopens Birnin-Kudu-Sundumina-Kiyawa Road
Mr Namadi said the current administration was committed to constructing and rehabilitating deplorable roads in the state.
World
Kenya welcomes 17 repatriated mountain bongos from U.S.
The 17 antelopes represent a third generation of the critically endangered mountain bongos in Florida.
Heading 1
Defence chief tells commanders to think out of box, make tough decisions to tackle terrorism
The CDS said strategic-level leaders from security agencies and MDAs were at the forefront of the nation’s efforts in responding to crises.
States
Aiyedatiwa sworn in as Ondo’s seventh gov; pledges to prioritise citizens’ welfare
Messrs Aiyedatiwa and Adelami took the oath of office administered by the state’s chief judge, Olusegun Odunsola, at the Akure Stadium.
