CJI argued that rather than engage in constructive dialogue and governance, the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration had allowed the state’s judicial system to remain paralysed.
The Benue State government has come under criticisms for neglecting its Judiciary since December 2024 which has been on strike due to the government’s failure to implement the new ₦75,000 minimum wage for judiciary staffers.
The Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) in a release on Monday decried the strike action embarked on by the Benue State judiciary.
CJI argued that rather than engage in constructive dialogue and governance, the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration had allowed the state’s judicial system to remain paralysed.
The centre also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences commission (ICPC) to probe alleged allocation of N500million by the state government to bribe some officials of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
CJI convener, Mr. Solomon Adodo, claimed that three Benue State officials had been making frantic trips to Abuja in an apparent attempt to compromise NJC processes.
CJI argued that the actions of the government functionaries reflected a dangerous level of ignorance about the fundamental workings of governance, wherein institutions like the judiciary must be shielded from political interference.
Adodo said, "Since December 2024, the Benue State judiciary has been on strike due to the government’s failure to implement the new ₦75,000 minimum wage for judiciary staff. Rather than engage in constructive dialogue and governance, Governor Alia’s administration has allowed the state’s judicial system to remain paralysed.
"The inability to grasp the critical role of an independent judiciary in democracy further proves the administration’s lack of experience in governance and public service.
"Governor Alia, who was a beneficiary of judicial intervention during election disputes, now appears determined to dismantle the very institution that upheld his rights. This hypocrisy and disrespect for democratic institutions should serve as a warning to all who cherish the rule of law.
"We urge anti-corruption agencies and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged misappropriation of ₦500 million aimed at influencing NJC proceedings.
"We call on the NJC to remain steadfast in its duty to protect the judiciary from external pressures and to ensure that any proceedings concerning judicial officers are conducted impartially and in strict adherence to constitutional provisions.
"We demand that security agencies provide adequate protection to members of the judiciary in Benue State to prevent any further acts of intimidation or violence."