A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) gathered on Monday at the Three Arms Zone in Abuja, the hub of Nigeria’s three branches of government, calling for urgent intervention by President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in the ongoing judicial crisis in Benue State.
The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions questioning the integrity of certain judges, warned that “Nigeria’s democracy is under serious threat, and the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria must act swiftly to protect it.”
Judicial Integrity at Stake
Addressing journalists, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, the Chief Convener of the coalition, expressed deep concerns over what he described as increasing politicization of the judiciary, stating that courts should serve as impartial arbiters of justice, rather than tools for political manipulation.
“The judiciary in Nigeria has become more politicized than even registered political parties,” Ude-Umanta lamented.
He particularly accused Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, of overstepping his authority by disregarding state laws.
Allegations Against the Benue Chief Judge
Ude-Umanta cited instances of alleged judicial misconduct, including Justice Ikpambese’s unilateral decision to waive security deposits for petitioners of the Local Government Election Tribunal, a constitutionally mandated requirement.
“Despite this blatant violation, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has remained silent,” he noted.
Furthermore, he criticized the Chief Judge’s decision to relocate the tribunal from Benue State to Abuja, a move that he said directly contravened the Benue State Electoral Law.
“This relocation is a clear violation of territorial jurisdiction, yet the NJC has failed to act,” he added.
Conflicting Court Orders Deepen Crisis
The crisis escalated when the Attorney General of Benue State approached the Federal High Court in Makurdi, which on March 7, 2025, issued an order restraining the tribunal from holding sessions outside Benue State, including at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) House in Abuja.
However, barely a week later, on March 14, 2025, Justice M.M. Adamu of the FCT High Court 34 issued a contradictory ruling, compelling the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal to conduct its sittings in Abuja, specifically at the NBA House.
Ude-Umanta questioned the legality of such a ruling, stating:
“Can the laws of Benue State be applied in the FCT or any other state? The answer is NO. It is therefore unconstitutional for the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal to sit outside Benue.”
Call for Accountability
The coalition submitted a formal petition against Justice Maurice Ikpambese and Justice M.M. Adamu, accusing them of compromising the judiciary’s integrity.
“It is the duty of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to cleanse the judiciary of such unethical practices and restore public trust,” Ude-Umanta emphasized.
Intimidation of Protesters
The protesters also raised concerns about alleged plans by influential Benue politicians and security operatives to suppress dissent by arresting demonstrators opposing the tribunal’s relocation.
“Last week, military personnel conducted an intimidating show of force at the NBA House in Abuja, where the controversial tribunal session was being held,” Ude-Umanta revealed.
Despite these challenges, the protesters acknowledged the professionalism of the FCT Commissioner of Police, who personally ensured that law enforcement officers did not harass peaceful demonstrators.
As the crisis unfolds, the coalition has vowed to continue its advocacy for judicial accountability, insisting that “justice must prevail, and democracy must be safeguarded.”
