The Benue State House of Assembly has unanimously resolved to approach the Supreme Court for interpretation of Section 292 (1) A (11) regarding the removal of a Chief Judge of a state.
This decision was made during Friday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker of the House, Hon Hyacinth Dajoh.
Hon Saater Tiseer, Majority Leader of the House, moved the motion, stating the need for clarity on the constitutional provision.
He explained that the House had received condemnation from various quarters, including the Senate, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA)and the National Judicial Council (NJC), after recommending the removal of Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, bribery and corruption.
Hon Tiseer noted that the House of Representatives recently passed a bill giving the NJC a role in the removal of a Chief Judge, which he believes vindicates the Benue State House of Assembly’s action.
“The bill by the National Assembly means that the NJC currently has no role in the removal of the Chief Judge, as clearly stated in Section 292 (1) a (11) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” he stated.
Minority Leader Hon Michael Audu seconded the motion, emphasizing the need for the House to approach the Supreme Court for interpretation to clear its name from the condemnations.
The House unanimously agreed to approach the apex court immediately for proper interpretation of the constitutional provision.
