A group within the All Progressive Congress known as the Benue APC Elders Forum, led by Senator Barnabas Gemade, has expressed support for the removal of Justice Maurice Ikpambese as the Chief Judge of Benue State.

The group also alleged serious misconduct against Justice Ikpambese, including the mismanagement of N666m.

Chief Gemade, the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, who led former Senator Joseph Akaagerger, General Lawrence Onoja, former Benue Speaker, Hon. Emmanuel Jime, amongst other APC chieftains in the state to address the press conference, stated: “After a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese’s removal, it is clear that the Benue State House of Assembly acted within the constitutional framework outlined in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”

“We further commend the State Assembly for promptly sanctioning their erring members who attempted to ridicule the serious business of the house when in one breath they voted along with their colleagues for the removal of the Chief Judge and in another breath stepped outside the house chambers and immediately addressed a press conference castigating the same decision they had just supported by a more than two-thirds majority vote.”

The group expressed unwavering confidence in the government of Benue State, saying “the administration has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens and enhance the overall fortunes of the state.”

“We call upon our governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to remain steadfast and focused on his vision for development, urging all detractors to refrain from ill-motivated interference that could hinder our collective progress.”

“On the same pedestal, we passed a resounding vote of confidence in His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining faith with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Regarding the motion by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, the group stated: “The motion is not only misguided but also demonstrates his lack of understanding of the constitutional process.”

“The constitutional provision (sections 11(4)) which mandates the National Assembly to take over the functions of the State Assembly can only be activated when the State Assembly is unable to perform its functions by reasons of a situation prevailing in the state.”

“The very next, Section 11(5) explicitly defines the inability of the house to perform its functions as when the house is unable to hold a meeting and transact its business.”

“Benue State House of Assembly has one leadership, enjoys full quorum at all sittings, and has continuously been performing its functions.”

“There is therefore no merit in Senator Aba Moro’s invitation to meddlesomeness.”