By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly has resolved to seek the interpretation of the Supreme Court regarding Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the Nigerian Constitution, specifically as it pertains to the removal of a Chief Judge.
The resolution was passed during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
This decision followed a motion of urgent public importance introduced by the Majority Leader, Comr. Saater Tiseer.
Tiseer informed the Assembly that, after securing a two-thirds majority on February 18, 2025, in support of a recommendation to remove Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, the House had received numerous criticisms from various bodies, including the Senate, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), and the National Judicial Council (NJC).
These bodies condemned the move after the House received a complaint from the State’s Attorney General, outlining allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, bribery, corruption, and other charges against Justice Ikpambese.
In his submission, Hon. Tiseer explained that, following this backlash, the House of Representatives passed a bill on March 26, 2025, for a second reading, which sought to give the NJC a role in the removal of a Chief Judge. This, he argued, vindicated the actions of the Benue State House of Assembly.
Tiseer clarified that the bill, if passed, implies that the NJC has no current role in the removal of a Chief Judge, as stated in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the Nigerian Constitution, as amended.
The House, therefore, resolved to approach the Supreme Court immediately for a proper interpretation of the constitutional provision and to further settle the controversies surrounding the action of the Assembly in the removal process.
Additionally, the House has summoned several key officials, including the Director General of Public Procurement, the Commissioner for Finance, the Attorney General of the State, and Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Limited, to appear before the Assembly on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
They are expected to explain the abandonment of the renovation work at the Aper Aku Stadium.
The House also expressed concern over the activities of individuals masquerading as part of the “Benue Sacks” initiative, imposing indiscriminate levies on farmers and traders.
The Assembly has ordered the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, along with the Special Adviser for Local Government Market Coordination and Monitoring, to appear before it on April 2, 2025.
The House also instructed security agencies to immediately arrest those involved in the monitoring and coordination of the illegal levies.
Moreover, the House summoned the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Benue State Branch, to appear on Thursday, April 3, 2025, to explain the prolonged strike that has paralyzed the judicial system in the state.
In another development, the House called for accountability regarding over one billion Naira released to the Benue State Agricultural Development Company for the purchase of assorted grains from local farmers. The Managing Director, Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Kule, is expected to provide an explanation.
During the plenary session, the Zone C Caucus of the House distanced itself from the call made by Philip Agbese for the National Assembly to take over the functions of the Benue State House of Assembly.
Members criticised Agbese for his lack of understanding of legislative functions and warned him against further playing to the gallery of Abuja politicians with no genuine interest in the welfare of the Benue people.
The House also received reports from the Standing Committees on Industry, Trade, and Investment regarding the Makurdi Modern Market and Ultra Modern International Market, as well as a report on a visit to Area Education Offices, Local Government Education Authorities, and schools in the three senatorial districts, presented by the Minority Whip, Hon. Cephas Dyako.
The Speaker, Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, referred the reports to the Rules and Business Committee for further consideration.
