A coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria has taken a bold step by filing a complaint against Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese of Benue State and Justice M. M. Adamu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. The coalition claims these officials have abused their powers and disregarded vital court processes.
The protest and formal complaint directed towards the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, aim to restore the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary amid growing concerns over judicial ethics, particularly in the context of the recent Benue State Local Government Elections.
Controversy Surrounding the Tribunal
The root of the controversy lies with the Benue State Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal, which has recently become a focal point of dissatisfaction among the populace. Justice M. M. Adamu had controversially ordered the tribunal to convene in Abuja, contradicting a previous ruling that mandated its sessions to be held in Makurdi. This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly because a prior ruling had already enforced the tribunal’s relocation.
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The coalition, led by Chief Convener Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, claims that Justice Ikpambese unlawfully waived the required security deposits from petitioners—an established constitutional prerequisite in election cases. They argue that these actions undermine the rule of law and create an atmosphere of judicial impunity in the state.
Addressing a crowd of protesters in the capital on Monday, Igwe Ude-Umanta expressed deep concern over the ongoing erosion of judicial integrity. He stated, “We are here as concerned Nigerians who believe in the rule of law. Our democracy is in clear danger, and the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria must save it.”
Accusations Against Judicial Figures
The coalition’s protest pivoted from the previous year’s elections, where significant questions about procedural fairness have emerged. Justice Ikpambese stands accused of ignoring legal frameworks designed to safeguard electoral processes. Ude-Umanta criticized the silence of the National Judicial Council (NJC) amid these allegations, voicing his frustrations with the judiciary’s apparent inaction.
“How on earth could a Chief Judge of a state flagrantly abuse his office by flouting state laws, while the NJC remains silent?” he questioned. The coalition’s frustration was palpable as they demand accountability from both Ikpambese and Adamu, urging them to face consequences for what they perceive as judicial overreach.
The crux of the coalition’s argument is that the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal, by law, is not permitted to operate outside its jurisdiction. They are calling on the Federal High Court, which previously issued an order stipulating the tribunal’s operations must remain within the state, to take further action when faced with what they describe as blatant violations.
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Ude-Umanta further unpacked the implications of relocating the tribunal by posing a critical question: “Can Benue State laws be applied in the FCT or in any state apart from Benue State?” He insisted that the court’s jurisdiction cannot extend outside its originating state, framing the controversy as a significant threat to democratic processes in Nigeria.
The coalition’s protest transcends mere grievances; it touches on themes of democracy, justice, and the rule of law, as they demand immediate action from the highest offices. They are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, asking him not to remain indifferent to the deterioration of justice within Benue State.
As the coalition’s actions unfold, they seek the support of citizens who value democratic principles and fair governance. “The petitioners did not even participate in any part of the election process,” Ude-Umanta stated, muscling the argument that question marks remain over the legitimacy of those driving the petitions.
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A Call for Restoration
The coalition has identified a pressing need for judicial reform and accountability. Their aspirations are rooted in a desire to uphold the fundamental tenets of democracy and reinforce citizens’ faith in the judicial system. They maintain that urgent intervention is necessary to remedy the perceived injustices plaguing the Benue State electoral proceedings.
As the situation continues to evolve, many eyes will be on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to see if the judiciary will respond to these serious allegations and take steps to restore public confidence. The coalition urges swift action to safeguard the principles of legality and equity in Nigeria’s political and judicial spheres.
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