Coalition raises alarm as judicial workers move to strike in Benue

• The Civil Society Coalition for Transparency in Governance urged the NJC to intervene in a possible strike by the Benue State Judicial Service Commission
• The proposed strike, allegedly influenced by politicians serving personal interests, would worsen existing delays in civil and criminal cases, the coalition said.
• Hajia Jaiyeola Mohammed, executive director of the coalition, called for a thorough investigation to prevent the strike, ensure access to justice and safeguard the independence of the judiciary.

makurdi, benue state – The Civil Society Coalition for Transparency in Governance has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene in a possible strike by the Benue State Judicial Service Commission (BSJSC), citing undue political pressure and threats to the delivery of justice.

In a statement on Friday, October 25, the group said the proposed strike, allegedly influenced by politicians serving personal interests, would exacerbate delays in civil and criminal cases.

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“Justice delayed is justice denied,” said Hajia Jaiyeola Mohammed, executive director of the coalition.

Coalition presents petition

in a request presented to the Chief Justice of Benue State High Court, the coalition highlighted concerns over the growing backlog of cases.

Hajia Mohammed argued that the judiciary must remain independent, safeguarding justice for all citizens.

The coalition calls for an urgent investigation

The coalition seeks a thorough investigation to prevent the strike, guaranteeing access to justice.

“It is unacceptable to hold the state to ransom for the interests of a few individuals,” said Hajia Muhammed.

“We urge the judiciary to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure that the proposed strike does not materialize as it would result in significant injustice to those awaiting a legal resolution.”

He said the possible strike raised concerns about access to justice in Benue.

“Accordingly, we urge your noble Lordship to use your good office to carry out a thorough investigation into this matter with a view to ensuring that the Benue State Judicial Service Commission does not carry out this proposed threat to embark on this ill-intentioned strike. “This will cause many injustices as the judiciary is the last hope of the common man in Nigeria and must not be caught in the game of interests to the detriment of its purpose,” the coalition said.

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Fubara accused of supporting a plot to blackmail the judiciary

In another report, the Coalition Against Corruption and Injustice (CACI) in Nigeria recently accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of supporting alleged plots by politicians to compromise the independence of the judiciary.

The coalition made the allegation in a statement signed by Prince Livinus Itodo and sent to Legit.ng on Friday, October 18.

The allegation was a reaction to the statement by a group allegedly linked to Governor Fubara calling for the dismissal of Justices John Tsoho, Peter Lifu and James Omotosho.

Source: Legit.ng