AGF urged to intervene in judicial crisis in Benue
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of Coalition for Good Governance and Transparency in Nigeria, has asked the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene in the judicial crisis in Benue State. The Benue State House of Assembly had passed a resolution recommending the removal of the Chief Judge of the […]
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of Coalition for Good Governance and Transparency in Nigeria, has asked the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene in the judicial crisis in Benue State.
The Benue State House of Assembly had passed a resolution recommending the removal of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, based on petitions received on his alleged misconduct, abuse of office among other infractions.
The House relied on section 292 subsection (3) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) which states that the Chief Judge of a State can be removed from office if it is backed by two third majority of the State House of Assembly.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, leader of the coalition, Okpanachi Jacob, also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate allegations against the embattled Benue Chief Judge,Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
He stressing the need to uphold due process and ensure accountability within the judiciary in the country.
“In the case of Benue State, we have investigated the entire process and discovered that the NJC is in receipt of several petitions against Justice Maurice Ikpambese but has deliberately refused to investigate him.
“We wish to state in a clear term that, it is within our constitutional rights to insist that the NJC, NBA and other relevant bodies do the needful by allowing justice to prevail.
“We wish to state in a clear term that, it is within our constitutional rights to insist that the NJC, NBA and other relevant bodies do the needful by allowing justice to prevail,” he said.