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...

Valentine Ozigbo Resigns from Labour Party

In a shocking move, against all speculations over the last few days, Valentine Ozigbo, a close ally of Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the Labour Party (LP). Ozigbo confirmed his decision to Diaspora Digital Media on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, but declined to provide further details, opting instead to share his reasons during an interactive session on X (Twitter) Space. The session, scheduled for 8 PM, will feature Ozigbo in conversation with Anambra's First Son, @uchepokoye, discussing pressing issues affecting Anambra State, including security challenges, societal fabric collapse, and the hope for a better future. Ozigbo's resignation has sparked interest, with many awaiting his detailed explanation for leaving the Labour Party. His decision comes at a critical time for the party, which has been navigating various challenges in recent months. Credit: Diaspora Digital Media

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