Nigeria, Feb. 19 -- The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the Benue State House of Assembly for recommending the removal of the state's Chief Judge, Maurice Ikpambese, over alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The Assembly argued that his removal would allow the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the allegations against him.

In a resolution passed on Tuesday, lawmakers also recommended the swearing-in of the next most senior judge to fill the anticipated vacuum.

The resolution followed a correspondence from Governor Hyacinth Alia, read on the floor of the House by Majority Leader Saater Tersee, alleging that the Chief Judge had violated judicial ethics.

Among the accusations levelled against Mr Ikpambes...