Justice Maurice Ikpambese
By Daily Topic
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has stated that Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, will remain in office pending an investigation into the allegations leveled against him.
This decision comes after the Benue State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recommended Ikpambese’s suspension over accusations of abuse of office and gross misconduct.
The resolution followed the reading of a letter from Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia during the plenary session. The letter was presented by Saater Tiseer, the House Majority Leader.
But on Wednesday, the council voided his removal as the Chief Judge of Benue State.
The Council, in a statement it made available to newsmen, stressed that the Benue State House of Assembly was bereft of the statutory powers to recommend the removal of the CJ.
It maintained that under the 1999 Constitution, as amended, only the NJC was vested with the powers to appoint or to discipline erring judicial officers.
However, the council disclosed that it has on Wednesday morning, received a petition that was written against the embattled CJ.
It said until the petition is fully investigated, Justice Ikpambese would remain in office as CJ of the state.
