Removal of Benue Chief Judge, suspension of lawmakers height of illegality – APC forum
The Benue South All Progressive Forum has described the removal of Benue Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, and the suspension of some assembly lawmakers as the height of illegality in the state. The forum further berated and condemned recent developments, which include alleged state-backed thuggery. In a communiqué issued after its seventh ordinary meeting in […]
The Benue South All Progressive Forum has described the removal of Benue Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, and the suspension of some assembly lawmakers as the height of illegality in the state.
The forum further berated and condemned recent developments, which include alleged state-backed thuggery.
In a communiqué issued after its seventh ordinary meeting in Abuja on February 25, 2025, the forum decried the alleged removal of Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
The group aligned with other voices rejecting the action, calling it a violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.
They commended the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for intervening to prevent the removal.
The forum also strongly opposed the suspension of 13 members of the Benue State House of Assembly by the Speaker, describing it as arbitrary and a threat to legislative independence.
It, however, praised the Benue caucus in the National Assembly and the Nigerian Senate for launching an investigation and urged that the suspended lawmakers’ privileges be protected under the Powers and Legislative Privileges Act of 2017.
Calling for peace and stability, the forum urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to focus on governance and delivering democratic dividends to the people rather than engaging in political conflicts.
The communiqué was signed by Chief Sylvester Ameh-Ojebo, Hon. Chief Agbo Ogah, Arc. Chief Tony Obekpa, Hon. David Idoko, Hon. Benard Otsepa, Amb. Matthew Adoli, Lady Kate Ijogi, Prof. Christy Ekoja, Lady Susan Abuh, and Lady Catherine Abechi on behalf of other members.