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Benue: Purported Removal Of Chief Judge, Unconstitutional, Says Idoma Lawyers
Benue: Purported Removal Of Chief Judge, Unconstitutional, Says Idoma Lawyers
The Association of Idoma lawyers, has condemned in the strongest terms, the purported removal of the Benue State Chief Judge, by the State House of Assembly.
The association described the action of the lawmakers as a gross constitutional breach to destabilize the State Judiciary.
In a statement on Thursday, by Chief Godwin Obla (SAN) Leader, and Joshua Musa, (SAN), President, Association of Idoma Lawyers, the group submitted that they are stakeholders in the affairs of the Benue State Judiciary, and therefore, “will not be silent in the face of the uncivilized attack on this dignified arm of government popularly referred to as the “hope of the common man”.
The Idoma Lawyers insisted that any action done contrary to the sacred provisions of the Constitution is void adding that “the purported removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese is a nullity ab initio”.
While noting that the Members of the State House of Assembly swore to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Nigeria, however, the group said “this arm of government has brazenly violated the Constitutional oath the members took”.
It was the contention of Idoma Lawyers that Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the Constitution was not complied with in the purported removal of the Benue State Chief Judge.
“Thirteen out of the Thirty-Two members of the House of Assembly came out to show clearly that the Governor did not act on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly of the State.
“Unfortunately, news have it that this Thirteen Honourable Members have been suspended from their legislative functions for three months for choosing to honour the oath they took to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.
“The process of removing a Chief Judge of a State was clearly outlined by the apex Court in the case of HON. JUSTICE RALIAT ELELU-HABEEB & ANOR. v. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION & ORS. (2012) 13 NWLR (Pt. 1318) 423 at 494 – 495 paras. D – G”.
According to Obla and Musa, “the above Supreme Court authority puts to rest the insistence by the Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly in his Press Conference in Makurdi on Thursday, the 20th of February, 2025, that the Chief Judge of the State stands removed from office.
“The role of interpretation of the Constitution is that of the Judiciary and not the Legislature.
“No amount of desperation to remove the Chief Judge can be justified under the present circumstance and the stand of the House of Assembly as voiced by Hon. Saater Tiseer, the Majority Leader, is an affront to the Constitution and the Rule of Law and a demonstration of crass ignorance of the Law and understanding of the Constitution” the Idoma Lawyers stated.
The Association posited that Benue State Judiciary has come a long way and has produced eminent Jurists, stressing that “the threat to the Judiciary in the State raises the question whether the Judiciary is being adequately funded”.
“The members of the House of Assembly were voted by their various Constituencies to effectively represent them and make Laws for the good governance of the State.
“This lame attempt to remove the Chief Judge of Benue State is embarrassing and regrettable.
“We commend the National Judicial Council, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Labour Congress and all other organizations and persons for their timely intervention.
“We also commend the Benue State Judiciary for the unity displayed at this trying time and the laudable resistance put up against tyranny and abuse of the Constitution.
“The Legislative arm of government in Benue State must learn to function within the province of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, the group warned.
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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
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JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Uncategorized
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
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