The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized the Benue State House of Assembly’s recommendation for the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, calling it a violation of the Nigerian Constitution. The lawmakers had cited alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, and the tampering with electoral laws as reasons for their actions.
In a statement, the NBA described the recommendation as a “brazen assault” on the Constitution, emphasizing that the removal of a judicial officer, especially a Chief Judge, must follow a strict due process outlined in the Constitution. The association pointed out that the National Judicial Council (NJC) is the only body with the authority to investigate allegations against judicial officers and recommend their removal.
The NBA condemned the Benue Assembly for bypassing this procedure and warned that any attempt to remove Ikpambese without proper investigation would be unconstitutional, null, and void. The association called on all elected officials to respect judicial independence and urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that the Chief Judge is protected from any harassment or obstruction in carrying out his duties.
