Rights Lawyer Calls Removal of Benue Chief Judge an ‘Assault on Judicial Independence’

By Mary Obi

Human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor has condemned the Benue State House of Assembly’s approval for the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese.

This decision, based on allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office, comes with a directive to appoint the next most senior judge as acting Chief Judge pending an investigation into the claims.

In a statement released and signed by Sir Ejiofor, he described the Assembly’s actions as unconstitutional.

“The recent actions of the Benue State House of Assembly, culminating in the removal of Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office, represent a blatant assault on the sanctity of judicial independence. Disturbingly, even a Reverend Father has played a significant role in this overt coup against the judiciary’s autonomy.

“Such political manoeuvres starkly highlight the erosion of moral standards within our political landscape. In response, we commend the proactive intervention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) under the esteemed leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN. The NBA has rightly criticized the Assembly’s actions, labelling them a ‘brazen assault on the constitution.’

“Furthermore, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has unequivocally declared the removal of Justice Ikpambese as invalid, reaffirming his position as the Chief Judge of Benue State.

“It is imperative that legal practitioners involved in this unconstitutional act face appropriate sanctions as delineated in our professional code of conduct. We must not permit lawlessness and disorder masquerading as legislative processes to flourish within our democratic framework. Enough is enough!”