A faction of thirteen members of the Benue State House of Assembly have dramatically turned down claims that the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, has been removed from office.

The lawmakers clarified that out of the 32-member House, 13 voted against the suspension, one member (Hon. Peter Uche, representing Guma 1 State Constituency) was absent, and the Speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, abstained from voting.

They argued that the purported suspension lacks the required two-thirds majority support, failing to meet the constitutional threshold for such a decision.

The 13 members jointly signed a statement reaffirming their commitment to due process and the rule of law, urging the public to disregard misinformation about the Chief Judge’s suspension.

They emphasised that only the National Judicial Council (NJC) has the constitutional power to appoint and remove judges.
The 13 Assembly members who signed the statement are:
1. Hon. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South)
2. Hon. Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East)
3. Hon. Pastor Onah Blessed Emmanuel (Oju 1)
4. Hon. Anyor Mato (Kwande East)
5. Hon. Elias Audu (Gwer)
6. Hon. William Ortyom (Agasha)
7. Hon. Engr. Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum)
8. Hon. Mrs. Becky Orpin (Gboko East)
9. Hon. Gila Solomon (Gwer-west)
10. Hon. Samuel Agada (Ogbadipo)
11. Hon. Mcclinton Manger (Tarka)
12. Hon. Abraham Zahemen Zabi (Buruku)
13. Hon. Simon Tor-Gabo (Mata)