…Approaches Supreme Court To Remove Chief Judge
By Amos Aar
THE LEADERSHIP of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Benue State Branch, has been summoned by the Benue State House of Assembly to explain the reasons behind its prolonged strike, which has paralyzed the judicial system in the state.
Announcing the decision during the plenary session last Friday, the Speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, summoned the union’s leadership to appear before the Assembly on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has resolved to approach the Supreme Court for an interpretation of Section 292 (1) A (ii) of the Nigerian Constitution concerning the removal of the Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
The move followed a motion of urgent public importance by Majority Leader, Comrade Saater Tiseer, who stated that despite securing a two-thirds majority on February 18, 2025, to recommend the removal of Justice Ikpambese based on allegations of gross misconduct, bribery, and corruption by the state executive arm, the decision has faced strong opposition.
The Senate, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the National Judicial Council (NJC) have all condemned the Assembly’s action.
Tiseer pointed out that the House of Representatives recently passed a bill for second reading on March 26, 2025, to grant the NJC a role in removing a Chief Judge.
He argued that this legislative move validates the Benue Assembly’s stance that, as the law currently stands, the NJC has no role in the removal process, as stated in the constitution.
The House has now resolved to seek a definitive ruling from the apex court to settle the legal controversy.
Relatedly, the House also summoned the Director-General of Public Procurement, the Commissioner for Finance, the Attorney General of the State, and Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Limited to appear on April 2, 2025, to explain why the stadium renovation has stalled.
It equally summoned the Managing Director of Benue State Agricultural Development Company, Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Kule, to account for over ₦1 billion released for purchasing grains from Benue farmers.
Meanwhile, Lawmakers representing Zone C at the Benue Assembly dissociated themselves from a call by Philip Agbese for the National Assembly to take over the functions of the state legislature.
During the plenary, lawmakers, including Hon. Kennedy Angbo and Rt. Hon. Audu Michael, criticized Agbese, accusing him of ignorance of legislative procedures.
