By Gwurld4026 
Benue Chief Judge’s Suspension Nullified by NJC
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has invalidated the suspension of Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, by the state’s House of Assembly. The NJC emphasized that the Assembly lacks the constitutional authority to remove or suspend a Chief Judge, as such powers are exclusively vested in the NJC. In a statement released on February 20, 2025, the NJC clarified that although it had received a petition against Justice Ikpambese, the allegations have yet to be investigated. Therefore, pending a thorough investigation and adherence to due process, Justice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also condemned the actions of the Benue State House of Assembly, describing their resolution to remove the Chief Judge as unconstitutional and a violation of the principle of separation of powers. The NBA stressed that any attempt to remove a judicial officer must follow the due process outlined in the Constitution, which mandates an investigation and recommendation by the NJC before any action can be taken by the executive or legislative branches.
This development underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions and due process in matters concerning the judiciary, to maintain its independence and uphold the rule of law.
For more insights into this issue, you may find the following video informative: