The National Judicial Council has declared Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese as the authentic Chief Judge of Benue State......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, in a statement on Wednesday, described Ikpambese’s purported removal from office by the Benue State House of Assembly as unfortunate.
The state assembly had removed Justice Ikpembese following a petition from the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, who accused the state chief judge of abuse of office, tampering with the local government election law, inciting judicial strikes and corruption.
The assembly proceeded to recommend the swearing-in of Justice Theresa Igoche, the next most senior judge, as the acting chief judge of the state.
The NJC acknowledged receiving a petition against the CJ but insisted that he remains in office until an investigation is conducted.
The statement reads, “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.
“Although, the Council had this morning received a petition against Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with Council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing.
“As far as Council is therefore concerned, until the complaint is investigated and deliberated upon by it, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State,” the statement read