By Amos Aar
DESPITE the position of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigeria Bar Association stating that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State unless indicted by the NJC in an ongoing investigation, a hitherto unknown group, under the auspices of Transparency Global Watch (TRAGWA) has insisted that he must be removed from office and be banned from travelling abroad.
The Executive Director of TRAGWA, Anyi Sunday, represented by Deputy Director Akor Daniel, has alleged at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Makurdi that Justice Ikpambese cannot serve as Chief Judge of the State.
The group claimed that its position is based on an independent investigation that it conducted and which it said unearthed serious judicial misconduct and abuse of office, the details of which are similar to the executive petition to the Benue State House of Assembly which prompted the recommendation for his removal.
TRAGWA alleged that the infractions by Justice Ikpambese, which it claimed were supported by credible sources and undeniable evidence, include abuse of office, financial mismanagement of the state judiciary’s budget, collusion with politicians to secure favourable rulings, inciting industrial actions against the state government, bribery, favouritism, disregard for valid court judgments, interference in judicial cases, and issuing fraudulent rulings.
TRAGWA also referenced a viral video in which it claimed that Justice Ikpambese boasted about handpicking partisan judges to oversee the Benue Local Government Election Petition Tribunal.
This, the group argued, further reinforces the claim that he lacks the impartiality and integrity required of a Chief Judge.
The group also criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for defending the Chief Judge and accused it (NBA) of spreading false narratives to mislead the public and undermine the administration of Governor Alia. It insisted that rather than shield Justice Ikpambese, efforts should be made to cleanse the judiciary of corruption and misconduct.
TRAGWA called on the Code of Conduct Tribunal to take immediate action, citing violations of Sections 5 and 13 of the Code of Conduct Act. The group also urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to expedite its investigation into the allegations against Justice Ikpambese, rather than engaging in speculation.
Although Governor Alia had a couple of days ago denied having a hand in the ongoing attempt to sack Justice Ikpambese, TRAGWA, a hitherto unpopular group in the state, attributed the action to the governor and hailed him for it.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, TRAGWA and other like-minded civil rights groups stand in solidarity with the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iornem Alia. We support his actions and call on members of the public to support his approach to this monumental fraud, even as we demand for a Visa ban on the embattled Chief Judge as a deterrent to others”, the group insisted.
