By Abiola Olawale
The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended 13 of its members for opposing the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambase.
This action followed after these members publicly dissociated themselves from the decision to remove the Chief Judge, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of democratic principles like separation of powers and fair hearing.
The suspension was announced during an emergency plenary session on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, where they were accused of engaging in “dishonourable actions capable of casting aspersions and causing acrimony in the House.”
The Majority Leader of the assembly, Saater Tiseer, in his lead debate, recalled that they had, in the last sitting, received a complaint from the Attorney-General detailing allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, bribery and corruption, and other sundry allegations against the Chief Judge.
“After exhaustive deliberations, the House went into a division where 23 members out of 31 present voted in support of the recommendation to remove the Chief Judge,” Tester said.
After debates, the House condemned in the strongest terms the action of the 13 members.
The speaker of the House l, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh stated: “Some of the members, after voting for the removal of the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambase, went back to address a press conference and denied voting in favour of the motion to remove the Chief Judge.”
The Speaker of the House listed those suspended to include, Mr Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Mr Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East), Mrs Beckie Orpin (Gboko East), Mr Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata), Mr Williams Ortyom (Agasha), Mr Onah Blessed (Oju 1) and Mr Elias Audu (Gwer East).
Others are Mr Anyor Mato (Kwande East), Mr Manger Manger (Tarka), Mr Solomon Gyila (Gwer West), Mr Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo), Mr Abraham Jabi (Buruku) and Mr Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum).
