The crisis within the Benue State House of Assembly over the removal of Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese deepened on Wednesday as the House suspended 13 lawmakers who opposed the decision. 

Shortly after 23 out of 31 members voted to remove Ikpambese, some dissenting lawmakers—along with a few who had initially supported the motion—held a press conference in Makurdi, condemning the process and alleging procedural breaches. 

In response, Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh announced a three-month suspension for the lawmakers, accusing them of “Dishonourable actions capable of causing acrimony in the House.” They were also directed to refund funds allocated for an upcoming foreign trip, which they would no longer undertake. 

The House particularly singled out Douglas Akya (Makurdi South) and 12 others, some of whom had allegedly denied supporting Ikpambese’s removal despite voting in favour. The suspended lawmakers include Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East), Beckie Orpin (Gboko East), Simon Gabo (Ushongo-Mata), Williams Ortyom (Agasha), Onah Blessed (Oju 1), Elias Audu (Gwer East), Anyor Mato (Kwande East), Manger Manger (Tarka), Solomon Gyila (Gwer West), Samuel Agada (Ogbadibo), Abraham Jabi (Buruku) and Ezra Nyiyongo (Ukum). 

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Meanwhile, the suspended lawmakers, led by Douglas Akya, rejected the decision, arguing that House rules only permit suspensions of up to two weeks. Akya described the removal of the Chief Judge and their subsequent suspension as undemocratic. The development has sparked widespread reactions, with constitutional lawyer, Terna Tahav condemning the removal as unconstitutional. He argued that only the National Judicial Council has the authority to recommend the removal of a state Chief Judge. 

Similarly, the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Benue State described the move as “judicial rascality” and an abuse of power. Speaking at a press conference, Bishop Ben Ijachi criticised the speaker and majority leader for undermining democracy and demanded an immediate reversal of the decision.

Speculation is rife that the removal of the Chief Judge is linked to a political rift between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The Chief Judge, believed to be an ally of Akume, is reportedly handling a court case challenging the recent local government elections—raising concerns about political interference in the judiciary. 

Additionally, there are claims that some lawmakers may be plotting to impeach the governor.