By Citizenship Daily
The National Judicial Council (NJC) wednesday, set aside decision of the Benue State House of Assembly on its purported resolution recommending the removal of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpambese from office.
The NJC said the action was unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional.
The council drew the attention of the Benue state lawmakers to the clear and unambiguous constitutional provisions guiding discipline and appointment of judicial officers in the country.
According to a statement signed by NJC Deputy Director of Information, Barrister Kemi Ogedengbe, in Abuja, the NJC maintained that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge until complaint against her are investigated and legal steps taken on the complaint.
The statement reads 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, Council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on discipline and appointment of Judicial Officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.”
The NJC admitted receiving a petition on Wednesday against the Chief Judge but said that the allegations have not been investigated in line with its investigating procedures and principles of fair hearing.
NJC maintained that until the complaint is investigated and the Chief Judge found wanting, she remains in office as the Chief Judge.
