The Benue State House of Assembly has cautioned the Nigerian Senate against interfering in the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, urging it to respect constitutional boundaries and uphold federalism.

The Senate had, in a letter dated February 27, condemned Ikpambese’s removal, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of Section 292 of the 1999 Constitution. It warned that ignoring due process could set a dangerous precedent for judicial integrity.

However, in a response dated March 5, and signed by Speaker Aondona Dajoh, the Assembly dismissed the Senate’s stance as an overreach.

Addressing Senator Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, the Assembly argued that judicial appointments and removals fall under state jurisdiction, as long as constitutional provisions are followed.

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“The constitutional doctrine of federalism and separation of powers clearly delineates the roles and responsibilities of the various arms and tiers of government,” the letter stated.

Dajoh maintained that the Assembly followed due process, securing the required two-thirds majority vote for the removal. 

He added that the House was not responsible for verifying whether the Executive had transmitted the matter to the National Judicial Council (NJC), as stipulated in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the constitution.

He further asserted that only a court of competent jurisdiction—not the Senate—could determine the legality of the chief judge’s removal, stressing that the Assembly’s decision remains valid unless overturned by a court ruling.