In response to the alleged motion to remove Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese, thirteen members of the Benue Assembly have distanced themselves from it.
Ikpambese was previously ousted by certain parliamentarians for alleged financial wrongdoing and abuse of position.
Speaking to reporters at Hon. Beckie Orpin’s Makurdi home, Hon. Douglas Akya of Makurdi South Constituency stated that they disassociated themselves from the incident.
“This action is not only unconstitutional, it violates the principles of separation of powers and fair hearing which is necessary for the sustenance of democracy.
“The provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, clearly states a Chief Judge of a state can only be removed on recommendation of the National Judicial Council which is responsible for disciplinary actions against judicial officers on an address supported by two-third majority of members of the House of Assembly of a state praying for the removal of the state Chief Judge.
“The attendance at today’s sitting was 31 members, the Speaker did not vote, and 13 members did not vote, therefore, it is unimaginable that in an Assembly of 32 members where 31 were in attendance and 13 members did not vote, the voting produced 23 votes.”
They stated that they chose to disassociate themselves from the action as defenders of democracy and constitutionality because none of the conditions necessary for the Chief Judge’s removal had been fulfilled.
The following other MPs attended the briefing: Honorable William Ortyom from Agasha; Honorable Jonathan Agbidye from Katsina-Ala East; Honorable Samuel Anyor Matu from Kwande East; Honorable Pastor Onah Blessed from Oju 1; Orpin Beckie from Gboko East; Honorable Elias Terumbur Audu from Gwer East; Honorable Nyiyongo Ezra from Ukum; Honorable Abraham Zahemen Jabi from Buruku; Honorable Gabo Simon from Mata; Honorable Samuel Agada from Ogbadibo; Honorable Gyila Solomon T from Gwer West; Honorable Manger M. Manger from Tarka.