The Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency in Governance has urgently called for intervention to prevent the Benue State Judicial Service Commission (BSJSC) from initiating a proposed strike.
The coalition had alleged that political actors were manipulating the potential action for personal gain, which could jeopardize the essential delivery of justice in the state.

In a petition directed to the Chief Justice of Benue State and the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Hajia Jaiyeola Mohammed, Executive Director of the coalition, highlighted the alarming backlog of cases in the courts—both civil and criminal. She warned that a strike would significantly worsen these delays, reiterating the adage, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

The concerns raised by the coalition followed a meeting on October 21, 2024, where reports indicated that certain politicians were exerting undue influence over the BSJSC. The coalition emphasized that the judiciary must remain autonomous to effectively uphold justice for all citizens.

“Allowing a small group to hold the state hostage for personal interests is unacceptable,” Hajia Mohammed stated, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the situation. She stressed that the proposed strike could lead to considerable injustice for those awaiting legal resolutions, further eroding public trust in the judicial system.

“We are Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency in Governance, a non government organization (NGO) whose responsibilities include but not limited to ensuring good governance
and accountability within the geographical sphere of Nigeria on the strength of which we write
this petition.”
The coalition’s petition is a reflection the vital importance of an independent judiciary, particularly in a climate of political pressure. With a potential strike on the horizon, concerns over access to justice are intensifying, raising critical questions about the future of the legal system in Benue State.

As the coalition awaits a response from the judiciary, it continued to advocate for a justice system that is free from political interference and committed to serving the interests of the public.
The unfolding situation underscored the necessity of safeguarding judicial independence as a cornerstone of democracy in Nigeria.

***Says the rule of law is an intangible asset of any society

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has decried the level of decline in Nigeria’s Judiciary has witnessed in recent times.

Though the LP standard bearer acknowledged that there still exists few good judges and justices in the country but generally speaking, the situation is worrisome and a threat to the future of the nation.
Obi spoke while delivering a Keynote speech titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Shaping Nigeria’s Future” at the 5th Memorial of Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu, at the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
Obi said there is a lot to learn from the integrity of the late Justice of the Supreme Court and his class of Justices.

“It was truly an honor to pay tribute to one of Nigeria’s most esteemed jurists, the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu.
“His illustrious career, particularly as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1978 to 1987, brought immense honor to our judiciary through his unwavering integrity and steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in our nation.

“As we commemorate the legacy of Justice Aniagolu and other revered Nigerian judges, we must draw inspiration from their exemplary service. We must strive to emulate their dedication to integrity, fairness, respect for the rule of law, transparency, humility, and the dispensation of justice.

“While the judiciary today still boasts of a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system. This decline poses a significant threat to the future of Nigeria. Justice is increasingly commodified, and delivered in favor of the highest bidder.

“When the rule of law is compromised, the most vulnerable members of society are disproportionately affected, and the fabric of our society begins to fray. The integrity of our institutions, the protection of human rights, and the stability of our nation are all jeopardized.

“The rule of law is the highest intangible and most valuable asset of any society, and we must work tirelessly to protect and preserve it. We must prioritize the pursuit of justice above all else.

“Only then can we ensure that the rule of law remains a beacon of hope and a safeguard against tyranny, oppression, and injustice. The future of our nation depends on it

“In my address to the audience, I emphasized the urgent need to revitalize our judicial system by safeguarding its independence and promoting the values of character, competence, capability, compassion, and integrity among our jurists, as well as within our political leadership. By so doing, we can ensure that justice and fairness prevail as we endeavor to build a better Nigeria for all.

Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu is a private institution owned and managed by the Catholic Church.