Exposed: Justice Egbe’s Alleged Intrigurs to Derail Benue Election Tribunal Proceedings
Recent developments have cast a spotlight on Justice Raphael Joshua Egbe of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, amid allegations of partisanship and attempts to influence the Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal’s proceedings. Preliminary investigations suggest that Justice Egbe’s actions may be undermining the integrity of the judicial process, raising alarms among stakeholders committed to upholding democracy and the rule of law.
Justice Egbe has been implicated in issuing an ex parte order restraining the Benue State Election Petition Tribunal from convening outside the state, notably at the NBA House in Abuja. This order came amidst directives from the Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, to relocate the tribunal to Abuja due to security concerns and an ongoing judiciary staff strike in Benue State. Critics argue that Justice Egbe’s intervention appears to align with certain political interests within the state, thereby compromising the tribunal’s autonomy and impartiality.
Reports indicate that Justice Egbe may be collaborating with specific state government officials to hinder the tribunal’s operations in Abuja. Such actions include securing court orders that prevent the tribunal from sitting outside Benue State, effectively stalling the adjudication of election petitions. This collaboration raises concerns about the undue influence of the judiciary by political actors, threatening the foundational principles of separation of powers and judicial independence.
The alleged conduct of Justice Egbe is contributing to a growing erosion of public trust in the judiciary’s ability to function as an impartial arbiter in electoral disputes. When judicial officers are perceived to engage in partisan activities, it undermines the legitimacy of the legal system and poses a significant threat to democratic governance. Civil society organizations have already begun voicing their concerns, organizing protests to demand accountability and transparency within the judiciary.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) must urgently initiate a thorough investigation into Justice Egbe’s conduct concerning the Benue State Election Petition Tribunal. Any findings of misconduct should be met with appropriate sanctions to uphold judicial integrity. While measures should be implemented to protect the tribunal from external pressures, ensuring that it can operate freely and fairly, irrespective of political dynamics within the state. Civil society organizations and the media should continue to shed light on these issues, fostering public awareness and encouraging citizen engagement in the defense of democratic institutions.
The judiciary serves as the cornerstone of democracy, and any actions that compromise its independence and impartiality must be addressed with urgency and resolve. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, to maintain public confidence in our legal system.
