The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended 13 lawmakers for three months after they publicly opposed the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
The lawmakers had initially participated in a vote to suspend Justice Ikpambese over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. However, after the decision was made, they held a press conference denying their involvement in the process. This move led to their suspension, which was announced on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Terver Zamber, the suspension followed a motion raised by the Majority Leader of the House, Saater Tiseer.
“The 13 suspended members are to refund the funds paid to them for a foreign trip since they will no longer be embarking on the journey,” the statement said.
The House condemned their actions, describing them as “dishonourable” and capable of “causing acrimony and casting aspersions on the House.”
The Speaker, Chief Hyacinth Dajoh, announced the names of the suspended lawmakers, which include Mr. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Mr. Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East), Mrs. Beckie Orpin (Gboko East), Mr. Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata), Mr. Williams Ortyom (Agasha), Mr. Onah Blessed (Oju 1), and Mr. Elias Audu (Gwer East). Others suspended are Mr. Anyor Mato (Kwande East), Mr. Manger Manger (Tarka), Mr. Solomon Gyila (Gwer West), Mr. Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo), Mr. Abraham Jabi (Buruku), and Mr. Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum).
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The controversy began when the House received a petition from the Attorney-General accusing Justice Ikpambese of bribery, corruption, and abuse of office. After deliberation, 23 out of 31 lawmakers present voted in favor of his removal.
However, the 13 lawmakers who later opposed the decision violated the House Standing Rules, according to the Majority Leader.
“After the House adopted resolutions on the matter, the 13 suspended members, some of whom voted in support of the recommendation to remove Justice Ikpambese, publicly dissociated themselves from the process,” Tiseer explained. “Their actions were not only dishonourable but also deceptive and capable of causing acrimony.”
He further stressed that their public disapproval contradicted Order IX, Rule 58(6) of the House Standing Rules.
The Benue State Assembly had earlier adjourned plenary to March 24, 2025. The suspended lawmakers will not participate in House proceedings until their suspension ends.