Human Rights Lawyer Condemns Benue Assembly's Removal of Chief Judge as Assault on Judicial Independence

From Rose Obi

Renowned human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor has condemned the Benue State House of Assembly's approval for the removal of the state's Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese. This decision, based on allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office, comes with a directive to appoint the next most senior judge as acting Chief Judge pending an investigation into the claims.

In a statement released and signed by Sir Ejiofor, he described the Assembly's actions as unconstitutional, stating: "The recent actions of the Benue State House of Assembly, culminating in the removal of Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office, represent a blatant assault on the sanctity of judicial independence. Disturbingly, even a Reverend Father has played a significant role in this overt coup against the judiciary's autonomy.

"Such political manoeuvres starkly highlight the erosion of moral standards within our political landscape. In response, we commend the proactive intervention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) under the esteemed leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN. The NBA has rightly criticized the Assembly's actions, labelling them a 'brazen assault on the constitution.'

"Furthermore, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has unequivocally declared the removal of Justice Ikpambese as invalid, reaffirming his position as the Chief Judge of Benue State.

"It is imperative that legal practitioners involved in this unconstitutional act face appropriate sanctions as delineated in our professional code of conduct. We must not permit lawlessness and disorder masquerading as legislative processes to flourish within our democratic framework. Enough is enough!"

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State. Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic. Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation. Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

Tension In Uruagu Nnewi As Community Leaders Dare Soludo,Defy Court Order

The President of Uruagu-Nnewi Development Union, Chief Sunday Okoli aka Organizer, and the Obi of Uruagu-Nnewi community in Nnewi North local government area of Anambra State, His Majesty Afamefuna Charles Obi, have swept Soludo's directive to the gutters, by reason of their suspension and subsequent dessolution of the leadership of the community's youth forum, led by Ejike Ifejiofor, and subsequent appointment of caretaker executive to pilot the affairs of youths in the community. The Anambra governor had, through a letter dated August 9, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Martin Agbili, warned the community leaders to stay any action regarding suspension of the Uruagu-Nnewi youth forum. The community had, through its PG, Chief Okoli, written to the Ministry of Youths Development, notifying the ministry of "immediate suspension" of the youth group over alleged insecurity in the area. But the ministry,...

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