NIGERIA: Benue APC Elders Back Assembly’s Move To Remove Chief Judge

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Benue State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum has thrown its weight behind the Benue State House of Assembly’s recommendation to remove the state Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.

At a press conference in Makurdi on Saturday, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and spokesperson for the group, Senator Barnabas Gemade, affirmed the elders’ support for the Assembly’s resolution.

According to Gemade, the Chief Judge is accused of mismanaging ₦666,984,687.20 in less than a year and allegedly overstepping his judicial authority by granting waivers outside the scope of his office.

“After a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding Justice Maurice Ikpambese’s removal, it is clear that the Benue State House of Assembly acted within the constitutional framework outlined in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution,” he stated.

The APC elders also praised the House of Assembly for suspending 13 lawmakers who opposed the resolution to remove the Chief Judge.

They accused the suspended lawmakers of undermining the integrity of the House by attempting to discredit its decision.

“We stand in solidarity with the Assembly on this decision, especially given the serious allegations against the Chief Judge, including his role in granting an unlawful waiver of Section 76 of the Benue State Electoral Law, which had been duly passed and assented to by the governor,” Gemade added.

Beyond the judiciary crisis, the APC Elders’ Forum urged all stakeholders in Benue to prioritize unity and avoid divisive politics.

They called on opposition elements to engage in constructive criticism rather than seeking to destabilize the state’s governance.

“The APC Benue Elders’ Forum remains committed to supporting our state government and ensuring that Benue continues on its trajectory of development, which had eluded the state in recent years,” the group stated.

The elders also passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, commending him for upholding the Renewed Hope Agenda.

They pledged their continued support for both the president and Governor Hyacinth Alia ahead of the 2027 elections.