MIDDLE BELT CHRISTIANS FORUM (MBCF) CONDEMNS BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT ON THE DAILY ASSULT, BLACKMAIL AND THE ASSASSINATION OF CHARACTER OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA
*.Warns Gov Alia on the Consequences of his Fight Against the Judiciary
25TH MARCH, 2025.
PRESS RELEASE.
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, the only son of the living God.
1.The MIDDLE BELT CHRISTIANS FORM (MBCF) is an umbrella body of all the registered Christian denominations within the Middle Belt of Nigeria.
Governor Alia Accused of Allocating ₦500 Million to Influence NJC Proceedings Against Benue Chief Judge
The Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) has raised serious allegations against Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, accusing him of earmarking over ₦500 million to manipulate proceedings within the National Judicial Council (NJC) concerning the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
According to the CJI’s press statement dated March 24, 2025, this substantial sum was allegedly funneled through key state officials, including the Attorney General, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim; the Commissioner of Finance, Hon. Michael Ogbleba; and the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba. These officials are reported to have made multiple trips to Abuja in attempts to compromise NJC processes by engaging with judiciary officials.
The CJI expressed concern that Governor Alia and his appointees, lacking prior public service experience, have demonstrated a troubling disregard for due process, constitutional norms, and the sanctity of judicial independence. Their actions, as highlighted by the CJI, reflect a dangerous misunderstanding of democratic principles, wherein institutions like the judiciary must remain free from political interference.
In addition to the alleged financial misconduct, the CJI’s statement outlined several actions by Governor Alia’s administration that purportedly undermine judicial independence:
The CJI also called for an investigation into the activities of Justice Raphael Joshua Egbe of the Federal High Court of Makurdi, alleging partisanship and attempts to influence ongoing tribunal proceedings unjustly.
In response to these serious allegations, the Centre for Judicial Integrity has issued the following demands:
The Centre for Judicial Integrity remains committed to defending the independence of the judiciary and ensuring that all actions by public officials are conducted within the framework of the law. They pledge to continue monitoring the situation closely and take necessary steps to uphold justice and accountability in Benue State and across Nigeria.
*Accusations of Nepotism Against Justice Tsoho Emerge
By Oklogo Jerry
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Benue State under the leadership of Comrade Simon Ogbe has formally petitioned Justice Raphael Joshua Egbe of the Federal High Court, Makurdi Division, over what it perceives as an egregious abuse of judicial office, overt bias, and a blatant attempt to obstruct the course of justice.
It will be recalled that on March 7, 2025, Justice Egbe issued a restraining order barring the Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal, the Chief Judge of Benue State, the Nigeria Police, and the Nigerian Bar Association, among others, from providing security, venue, or conducting proceedings anywhere outside of Benue State.
This unprecedented decision, sought and obtained through an ex parte motion filed by the Attorney General of Benue State, the Governor of Benue State, the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), and the 23 local government chairmen—whose mandates are under legal challenge—has raised fundamental questions about judicial impartiality and the integrity of the judiciary in election-related matters.
A senior member of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), who spoke anonymously, decried Justice Egbe’s ruling as a direct assault on the pursuit of justice. He stated:
“It is unheard of for a judge to issue a restraining order effectively halting a tribunal that is time-bound by law. This is not just an anomaly; it is a calculated subversion of the justice system. By issuing an order that stalls the tribunal and prevents petitioners from accessing justice, Justice Egbe has demonstrated clear bias. The Supreme Court of Nigeria has established legal precedents barring courts from granting orders that interfere with the statutory functions of election tribunals. Yet, Justice Egbe has disregarded this principle and acted in a manner that undermines the sanctity of our electoral process.”
He further questioned the rationale behind issuing a 20-day restraining order within the 180-day lifespan of the tribunal, emphasizing that such a move is not only impractical but also a willful obstruction of due process.
“We have lodged a petition with the National Judicial Council (NJC). A judge like Justice Egbe, who appears to have turned the courtroom into a political battleground, should not preside over any legal matter. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man and must not be weaponized against litigants and petitioners. He must be held accountable for his actions and, if necessary, made an example of to preserve the integrity of the judicial system.”
Beyond Justice Egbe’s controversial order, concerns have also been raised about Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, who hails from Vandeikya Local Government Area—the same LGA as Governor Hyacinth Alia. There is growing suspicion that his LGA affiliations may have influenced the judicial maneuvers aimed at frustrating the tribunal’s proceedings. A senior lawyer, who also requested anonymity, lamented:
“Justice is meant to be blind, yet we are witnessing a dangerous pattern where judicial decisions appear to serve the interests of those in power rather than the rule of law. The connection between Justice Tsoho and the Governor of Benue State raises concerns of nepotism and political interference. If left unchecked, this trend could spell disaster for the independence of our judiciary.”
The legal community has also expressed outrage over the judge’s apparent indifference to the plight of his fellow justices, who, were violently attacked by thugs wielding dangerous weapons, locked up for several hours, leaving many of them traumatized. Despite being fully aware of this incident, Justice Egbe has now issued an order that emboldens the same forces responsible for such attacks on the judiciary, effectively legitimizing impunity.
Legal experts have further criticized Justice Egbe for flouting NJC directives, which had explicitly cautioned against granting frivolous orders, particularly in election-related matters that are time-sensitive.
Despite being reminded of this directive, Justice Egbe proceeded to grant an order with an adjournment to April 25, 2025, knowing fully well that by then, the 180-day statutory timeframe for tribunal matters would be almost exhausted. This move, legal analysts argue, is a deliberate attempt to render the tribunal’s work null and void.
“Even when his attention was drawn to the impracticality of his order under the principle of the rule of law as propounded by A.V. Dicey, Justice Egbe chose to ignore it,” said a senior constitutional lawyer. “This demonstrates an intent to politicize the judiciary rather than uphold its sanctity. Such actions embolden unscrupulous politicians who leverage judicial technicalities to subvert democracy and perpetuate authoritarianism.”
The judiciary, as the last hope of the common man, must protect Nigeria’s nascent democracy rather than enable its destruction. Judges must uphold their duty to ensure that democracy functions within the framework of our statutory laws.
Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a recent address, underscored the primacy of the rule of law, stating that his own attainment of the presidency was anchored on legal integrity. He further admonished all public officials to respect the rule of law and the Nigerian Constitution.
Judges have a solemn duty to safeguard democracy, not to sabotage it. By issuing orders that undermine the electoral process, they erode public trust in the judiciary and create a dangerous precedent for the future. Justice Egbe’s ruling must be scrutinized and, if found to be in violation of judicial ethics, not only overturned but also sanctioned in the interest of justice and democratic stability.
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties in Benue State remains resolute in its demand for justice, accountability, and judicial neutrality. We call on the NJC, the Nigerian Bar Association, and civil society organizations to resist these attempts to subvert electoral justice. “We shall soon convene a press conference to further address this issue and mobilize public action against judicial partisanship”, CRPP stated.
BENUE LIVES MATTER
*Government Silence in the Face of Adversity: A Dereliction of Duty and Betrayal of Public Trust
*#Justice4Ojantele, Naka, and Across the Three Zones
By Morgan Adikwu
The escalating violence in Benue State, marked by relentless attacks from Fulani herdsmen, has cast a dark shadow over the region. Governor Hyacinth Alia’s conspicuous silence and perceived inaction have ignited widespread condemnation, with many accusing him of compromising his people’s safety to curry favor with the Fulani political oligarchy.
*Relying on Falsehoods to Maintain Relevance is a Perilous Strategy
By Morgan Adikwu
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s tenure in Benue State has been marred by a series of actions that raise serious questions about his integrity and commitment to his campaign promises. Three significant instances stand out, reflecting a pattern of deceit and irresponsibility unbefitting a public officer.
During his campaign, Governor Alia pledged to resettle all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in their ancestral homes within his first 100 days in office. He criticized the previous administration for its failure to address the plight of the displaced, positioning himself as the harbinger of swift action and relief. However, nearly two years into his tenure—over 600 days later—this promise remains unfulfilled.
Instead of admitting to this failure, Governor Alia has now proposed a five-year plan for resettlement, a stark deviation from his original commitment. This not only betrays the trust of the IDPs but also exposed a lack of accountability. While in contrast, the late President Musa Yar’Adua openly acknowledged the flaws in the election that brought him to power and committed to electoral reforms, exemplifying humility and responsibility—qualities seemingly absent in Governor Alia’s approach.
In October 2024, Governor Alia publicly denied any involvement in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), despite evidence to the contrary. He suspended the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, accusing him of joining the suit without authorization.
The governor stated, “I gave no permission for him to enter an appearance for the state”. However, reports indicate that Benue State was among the plaintiffs in the consolidated case marked SC/CV/178/2023, challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the EFCC. This contradiction suggests an attempt to distance himself from a controversial legal action, raising doubts about his honesty and transparency.
Governor Alia also denied initiating the removal of the Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, implying that the State House of Assembly acted independently. However, the Speaker of the House clarified that the Assembly acted upon receiving a letter from the Executive, directly implicating the governor in the process. This disavowal not only exposes a lack of accountability but also undermines the integrity of the state’s judicial system.
Leadership founded on deceit is inherently unstable. Historical examples abound where leaders who engaged in unscrupulous behavior faced eventual downfall. Such actions erode public trust, hinder effective governance, and stymie development.
As the 2027 elections approach, Governor Alia’s record of unfulfilled promises and public deceit could significantly damage his political fortunes. In an era where the electorate is increasingly informed and vigilant, relying on falsehoods to maintain relevance is a perilous strategy.
Governor Alia’s pattern of dishonesty not only tarnishes his administration but also poses a significant obstacle to the progress and development of Benue State. A commitment to truth and accountability is essential for building a formidable and prosperous nation.