APC Forum Calls Alia’s Actions Illegal Over Removal of Benue CJ and Suspension of Lawmakers
The Benue South All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the removal of Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, and the suspension of several members of the State Assembly, describing these actions as a “height of illegality.”
The forum further criticized recent developments in the state, which included alleged government-backed thuggery. In a communiqué issued after its seventh ordinary meeting in Abuja on February 25, 2025, the APC forum denounced the purported unconstitutional removal of Justice Ikpambese, calling it a violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.
The group expressed solidarity with those opposing the action, applauding the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for stepping in to prevent the removal.
The forum also expressed strong disapproval of the suspension of 13 members of the Benue State House of Assembly by the Speaker, calling it an arbitrary decision that threatens the independence of the legislature. They commended the Benue State Caucus in the National Assembly for initiating an investigation into the matter and urged that the suspended lawmakers’ privileges be upheld under the Powers and Legislative Privileges Act of 2017.
Additionally, the forum accused the state government of contributing to insecurity by allegedly deploying political thugs to intimidate individuals and disrupt public events. They cited incidents where the church thanksgiving events of prominent Benue politicians, including Senators Titus Zam and Emmanuel Udende, were disrupted.
In light of these events, the APC forum called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to focus on governance and delivering democratic benefits to the people of Benue rather than engaging in political conflicts.
The communiqué was signed by Chief Sylvester Ameh-Ojebo, Hon. Chief Agbo Ogah, Arc. Chief Tony Obekpa, Hon. David Idoko, Hon. Benard Otsepa, Amb. Matthew Adoli, Lady Kate Ijogi, Prof. Christy Ekoja, Lady Susan Abuh, and Lady Catherine Abechi, representing other forum members.
