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.