Benue Assembly To Seek Supreme Court Ruling On Chief Judge Removal

Benue Assembly To Seek Supreme Court Ruling On Chief Judge Removal

The Benue State House of Assembly has resolved to approach the Supreme Court for an interpretation of Section 292(1)(A)(11) regarding the removal of a Chief Judge.

During Friday’s plenary session, the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, characterized the situation as an anomaly, noting that although the Assembly secured a two-thirds majority vote to recommend the removal of Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese on February 18, 2025, the action later attracted widespread criticism….READ MORE….

The recommendation for Ikpambese’s removal was based on allegations of misconduct and abuse of office. It sparked backlash from several organizations, including the Senate, the Nigeria Bar Association, the National Judicial Council, and other groups.

Tiseer further explained that a bill currently under consideration in the National Assembly, which passed its second reading on March 26, 2025, and proposes giving the National Judicial Council (NJC) a role in the removal of a Chief Judge, supported the Benue Assembly’s stance. He pointed out that, as per Section 292(1)(A)(11) of the Nigerian Constitution, the NJC does not have a role in the removal process.

The House, led by Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh, unanimously agreed to approach the Supreme Court for a definitive interpretation of the constitutional provision, aiming to clarify the authority behind their recommendation and resolve the ongoing controversy.