Benue govt accused of N500m bribe to NJC, anti-graft agencies called to act

• The Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) has accused the Benue State Government of allocating ₦500 cardinal to power NJC proceedings regarding the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese
• CJI besides criticized the ongoing Benue State Judiciary onslaught since December 2024, blaming the government's nonaccomplishment to instrumentality the caller ₦75,000 minimum wage for judiciary staff
• CJI urged the EFCC and ICPC to analyse the alleged bribery attempt, emphasizing the request for an autarkic judiciary and condemning governmental interference

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) person been urged to probe an alleged allocation of N500 cardinal by the Benue State Government to bribe the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The telephone was made by the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI), which besides condemned the prolonged onslaught enactment embarked upon by the Benue State Judiciary since December 2024 owed to the government’s nonaccomplishment to instrumentality the caller ₦75,000 minimum wage for judiciary staff.

Outcry arsenic Benue Govt Faces Allegations of N500m NJC Bribe, Probe Demanded
Source: Original

Allegations of Bribery and Influence Peddling

CJI Convener, Mr. Solomon Adodo, addressing journalists successful Abuja connected Monday, alleged that immoderate appointees of the Benue State Government allocated implicit ₦500 cardinal to power NJC proceedings concerning the removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Honorable Justice Maurice Ikpambese.

According to Adodo, a important information of the funds was allegedly funneled done 3 authorities officials who person been making predominant trips to Abuja successful an effort to compromise NJC officials.

“We person credible accusation that definite authorities functionaries successful Benue person been attempting to bribe NJC officials with implicit ₦500 million. This is simply a hopeless determination to manipulate the judicial process and undermine the regularisation of law,” Adodo stated.

Judiciary Must Remain Independent

The CJI insisted that the actions of the authorities functionaries item a disturbing disregard for the independency of the judiciary, which is simply a cornerstone of democracy.

“It is shameful that alternatively than absorption connected improving governance, the Benue State Government has allegedly engaged successful acts that compromise judicial independence. An autarkic judiciary indispensable beryllium safeguarded from immoderate signifier of governmental interference,” the CJI convener asserted.

The radical further claimed that immoderate NJC members rejected the alleged bribe, reinforcing the integrity of the judicial system.

“We commend those principled members of the NJC who refused to beryllium compromised. Their steadfast committedness to justness restores nationalist assurance successful our judicial system,” Adodo added.

Call for Immediate Action

The CJI besides criticized the medication of Governor Hyacinth Alia for allowing the state’s judiciary to stay successful paralysis owed to the ongoing strike.

“Governor Alia’s medication has failed to code the morganatic concerns of judiciary workers. This further proves the administration’s inexperience successful governance and nationalist service,” the radical argued.

The Centre called connected anti-corruption agencies to motorboat a thorough and transparent probe into the alleged misappropriation of ₦500 million.

“We impulse the EFCC and ICPC to analyse these allegations and bring those liable to justice. Public funds indispensable not beryllium utilized to subvert democracy,” Adodo emphasized.

Additionally, the CJI urged the NJC to basal steadfast against outer pressures and guarantee that immoderate proceedings concerning judicial officers stay impartial and constitutionally guided.

“The NJC indispensable stay unwavering successful its work to uphold justness and support the judiciary from undue influence,” the connection concluded.

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Source: Legit.ng