Senate condemns unconstitutional removal of Benue chief judge

The Senate has strongly criticized the removal of Benue State’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, by the Benue State House of Assembly, describing the action as unconstitutional.

This position was taken following a motion raised by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (Benue South), who denounced the dismissal as a blatant disregard for due process.

Senator Moro informed the Senate that Justice Ikpambese was ousted on Wednesday in what he termed a violation of the constitutional provisions governing the appointment and removal of state chief judges.

“The crisis originates from the purported removal of Justice Dambisi Norris, the Chief Judge of Benue State, by the State House of Assembly without adhering to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Sections 153 and 271 explicitly state that the National Judicial Council (NJC) is the only body authorized to appoint or remove state chief judges,” he noted.

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He further emphasized that the Constitution clearly outlines the proper procedure for such actions, and any deviation poses a serious threat to democracy.

“Section 292(1)(a) of the Constitution specifies the legal process for removing a state’s Chief Judge. However, the Benue Assembly, either out of ignorance or a deliberate attempt to undermine the Constitution, proceeded to unilaterally pass a resolution removing the Chief Judge,” he added.

Moro also revealed that 13 lawmakers who opposed the move were suspended for three months by the Speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajor.

Expressing concern over the development, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) warned that such unconstitutional acts could set a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the incident, noting that the matter was already under review by the relevant judicial authorities.

To ensure compliance with due process, the Senate directed its Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters to investigate the situation and submit a report within two weeks.