The Benue State House of Assembly has strongly defended its decision to remove the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, despite concerns raised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters. The Assembly insists it followed the law and has no regrets about its actions.

In a letter dated March 5, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly responded to an earlier letter from the Senate Committee, which questioned the removal of Justice Ikpambese.

The Senate Committee, led by Senator Adegbanmire Adeniyi Ayodele, argued that the removal did not follow the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 292 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the process for removing judicial officers.

The Senate urged the Benue Assembly to ensure that its decisions align with the constitution. However, in its response, the Assembly maintained that it fully understands the legal process and acted accordingly.

The Speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, explained that the Nigerian Constitution does not give the Senate Committee direct oversight power over state legislatures on matters within their jurisdiction. He referenced Sections 4(2) and 88 of the Constitution to support this claim.

Dajoh further stated that the Assembly acted in line with the law, securing a two-thirds majority vote before removing the Chief Judge.

He emphasized that any disputes over the process should be resolved through the courts, not external interventions that could undermine the independence of the state legislature.

While appreciating the Senate Committee’s concerns, the Speaker reaffirmed that the Assembly’s decision was lawful and final unless overturned by a competent court.