The National Judicial Council (NJC) has overruled the Benue State House of Assembly’s purported resolution recommending the removal of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, from office.
The Council, which faulted the recommendation as unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional, drew the attention of the Benue State lawmakers to the clear and unambiguous constitutional provisions guiding the discipline and appointment of judicial officers in the country.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, the NJC maintained that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge until the complaint against her is investigated and legal steps are taken.
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The statement, signed by the Deputy Director of Information of the Council, Barrister Kemi Ogedengbe, read in part, “The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed a resolution recommending the removal of the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, from office.
“Unfortunate as this development is, the Council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, on the discipline and appointment of judicial officers vested in the Council, which were clearly not adhered to in this case.”
The NJC admitted receiving a petition on Wednesday against the Chief Judge but stated that the allegations have not been investigated in line with its procedures and the principles of fair hearing.
The Council maintained that until the complaint is investigated and the Chief Judge is found wanting, she remains in office.
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