Gov. Alia, Benue CJ Trade Blame Over Removal

• Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese exchange accusations amid the latter’s controversial removal

• Ikpambese claims removal was due to refusing the governor’s preferred justices, while Alia alleges corruption and mismanagement

The dispute between Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and the state’s embattled Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, has escalated. Following the latter’s controversial removal, both sides have exchanged accusations.

Last week, the Benue State House of Assembly, acting on a letter from Governor Alia alleging corruption, approved Ikpambese’s removal.

The decision has drawn criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Assembly, both of which have demanded a reversal.

In a viral video on Sunday, Ikpambese broke his silence and claimed he was removed for refusing to appoint the governor’s preferred justices to the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal. He insisted that he remains the legitimate Chief Judge.

Responding on Monday, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, accused Ikpambese of misleading the public and evading corruption allegations.

Kula alleged that the Chief Judge mismanaged over N600 million in judiciary funds, abused his office, and engaged in political interference.

He further criticised Ikpambese for addressing the matter publicly instead of defending himself before the National Judicial Council (NJC), which has reviewed the case.

Meanwhile, the controversy fuels legal and political tensions in Benue State, as stakeholders call for due process in resolving the dispute.