Senate steps Into Benue Judicial Crisis

****Abba Moro Leads Charge Against Unconstitutional Removal of Chief Judge

The Nigerian Senate has taken a firm stand on the ongoing constitutional crisis in Benue State following the controversial removal of the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, by the State House of Assembly.

Leading the charge, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro decried the move as an illegal affront to the Nigerian Constitution.
During a heated session, Moro, alongside other lawmakers from Benue, condemned the action, emphasizing that only the National Judicial Council (NJC) has the constitutional authority to remove a Chief Judge.

The Senate resolved to back the NJC in its constitutional role, invite the Speaker and Majority Leader of the Benue Assembly for explanations, and refer the matter to its Judiciary Committee for further investigation.
A motion to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution to take over the affairs of the State Assembly was, however, rejected.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the bipartisan approach to the issue, noting that even APC senators from Benue joined Moro, a PDP senator, in defending constitutional order. The Senate urged swift resolution to prevent further escalation, especially following reports of arson at the State High Court premises.

The Judiciary Committee has been mandated to report back within two weeks as the nation watches closely how this legal battle unfolds.