The Benue Elders’ Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared its full support for the state House of Assembly’s removal of Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese, asserting that the decision was made in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi on Saturday, the forum’s chairman, Barnabas Gemade, stated that the lawmakers acted within their constitutional rights.
He explained that after thoroughly reviewing the legislative process and engaging with the assembly leadership, the elders concluded that due process was followed.
He added that the removal was backed by a two-thirds majority vote, as required by law.
“The Benue State House of Assembly exercised its authority within the provisions of Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” Gemade stated.
He further disclosed that the decision stemmed from serious allegations, including the mismanagement of N666.9 million within a year and overstepping legal boundaries by granting a waiver to Section 76 of the Benue State Electoral Law, which had been passed by the assembly and signed by the governor.
The elders also commended the assembly for taking disciplinary action against members who attempted to challenge the decision. Addressing claims that the removal was premature without first involving the National Judicial Council, Gemade clarified that the action only affected the chief judge’s administrative role and did not remove him as a judicial officer, stressing that both processes follow different legal procedures.
The forum also expressed confidence in Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu, pledging their support for their reelection bids in 2027.
In response to Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro’s call for the National Assembly to take over the Benue legislature, the elders dismissed the suggestion as baseless.
Gemade explained that under Section 11(4) of the constitution, such an intervention can only occur if a state assembly is unable to function due to a crisis, which is not the case in Benue.
“The provisions of Section 11(5) clearly state that federal intervention is only justified when a state assembly is unable to convene or conduct its duties,” he said.
The elders urged Senator Moro to focus on fulfilling his mandate to his constituents rather than attempting to destabilize the APC-led government in Benue.
They also called for unity among stakeholders and encouraged the opposition to engage in constructive criticism rather than obstructing the state’s progress.