The Benue State House of Assembly has accused the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of interfering in the state’s political affairs to appease certain Benue politicians based in Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the Government House on Thursday, the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, defended the Assembly’s decision to act on Governor Hyacinth Alia’s concerns. He asserted that the House had the constitutional authority to remove the embattled Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, with the backing of a two-thirds majority.
Tiseer also criticised the National Judicial Council (NJC) for questioning the removal process, insisting that the Assembly was not obligated to consult the NJC as long as it adhered to Section 292 of the constitution.
However, the NJC rejected the Assembly’s decision, stating that Justice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State. It emphasised that the removal process did not comply with constitutional provisions governing judicial discipline and appointments.
The council further noted that while it had received a petition against Justice Ikpambese, the matter was yet to be investigated in line with due process and the principles of fair hearing.