The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the Benue State House of Assembly and Governor Hyacinth Alia for trying to remove the state’s Chief Judge, Maurice Ikpambese.
The Assembly accused the Chief Judge of misconduct, including misusing the judiciary’s budget and changing the state’s electoral law.
Lawmakers want the next most senior judge to replace him temporarily.
However, the NBA said this move is illegal because only the National Judicial Council (NJC) has the power to investigate and recommend the removal of a Chief Judge.
The NBA warned that removing a judge without following proper steps could damage the country’s democracy.
The NBA urged judges in Benue to reject any acting Chief Judge position and called on the Assembly to cancel its decision.
It also asked security agencies to protect Chief Judge Ikpambese so he can continue his work.
Similar conflicts between state governments and judges have happened in Osun and Kogi states.
The Supreme Court has previously ruled that state assemblies and governors cannot remove judges without NJC approval.
