The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended 13 lawmakers for opposing the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, and ordered them to refund funds allocated for an upcoming foreign trip. The decision, announced during a plenary session on Wednesday, February 20, 2025, has sparked controversy and raised questions about legislative discipline and accountability.
The suspension was initiated by the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, who argued that the lawmakers violated the House’s Standing Order IX, Rule 58 (6), which prohibits revisiting concluded matters without a substantive motion for rescission. “The assembly, as a legislative institution, must uphold order and discipline,” Tiseer stated.
The crisis began on Tuesday when the House received a complaint from the Office of the Attorney-General, detailing allegations of gross misconduct, bribery, and corruption against Justice Ikpambese. After deliberations, 23 out of 31 members present voted to remove Ikpambese and appoint the next-in-line judicial officer as Acting Chief Judge. However, the 13 suspended lawmakers opposed the decision, leading to accusations of misconduct and insubordination.
The suspended lawmakers include Douglas Akya (APC/Makurdi South), Jonathan Agbidye (APC/Katsina-Ala East), Beckie Orpin (APC/Gboko East), Simon Gabo (APC/Mata), William Ortyom (PDP/Agasha), and Emmanuel Onah (PDP/Oju I). Others are Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East), Anyor Matu (APC/Kwande East), Manger Manger (APC/Tarka), Solomon Gyila (APC/Gwer West), Samuel Agada (APC/Ogbadibo), Abraham Jabi (APC/Buruku), and Ezra Nyiyongo (APC/Ukum).
The motion for suspension was seconded by Peter Ipusu, representing Katsina-Ala West, who accused the lawmakers of mischief. “They actively participated in debates and voted in favor of recommending the Chief Judge’s removal, only to later deny their involvement,” Ipusu said. He also insisted that the suspended members refund the funds allocated for foreign trips since they would no longer be undertaking the travel.
Speaker Dajoh condemned the lawmakers’ actions, stating that they had disrespected the House and its leadership. “Such behavior could sow discord and tarnish the House’s integrity,” he said. Dajoh directed the suspended members to refund the travel funds to the Ministry of Finance and emphasized that their reinstatement would depend on publicly acknowledging their participation in the legislative process that led to their suspension.
The suspension has drawn mixed reactions, with some lawmakers, like Thomas Digeri of Kwande West, appealing for a reduction in the suspension period to one month. However, the majority supported the decision, citing the need to maintain discipline and order within the assembly.
