ABUJA – The Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged allocation of N500 million by the Benue State government in a bid to bribe members of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The CJI, a prominent civil society organization committed to promoting transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s judicial system, raised serious concerns about the alleged payment and its potential to undermine the integrity of the country’s judicial processes.

Addressing journalist earlier this week, the CJI demanded that both anti-corruption agencies thoroughly investigate the claim, warning that if the allegations prove true, it would constitute a grave threat to the credibility of the Nigerian judiciary. The group has also called for an immediate review of the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction to ensure that justice is served, and the judiciary remains free from external influence.

Mr. Solomon Adodo, Convener of the Campaign for Judicial Integrity (CJI), addressed reporters in Abuja on Monday, making serious allegations that certain appointees of the Benue State government allocated over ₦500 million to sway the National Judicial Council (NJC) regarding the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Maurice Ikpambese.

According to Mr. Adodo, a significant portion of this alleged sum was funneled through three Benue State officials, who have reportedly made several trips to Abuja in an apparent attempt to influence the NJC’s decision-making process by engaging with key judicial figures.

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The Chief Justice of India (CJI) criticized the actions of government officials, warning that they reveal a concerning ignorance of the essential principles of governance, particularly the need to protect institutions like the judiciary from political interference.

The CJI further claimed to have inside knowledge that certain members of the National Judicial Council (NJC) had steadfastly refused to accept any financial offers from government functionaries, emphasizing that their principled stance against corruption enhances the NJC’s integrity and bolsters public confidence in the judicial system.

The CJI also expressed concern that, instead of fostering constructive dialogue and effective governance, the administration led by Governor Hyacinth Alia has allegedly allowed the state’s judicial system to remain in a state of paralysis.


https://independent.ng/efcc-icpc-urged-to-investigate-alleged-n500m-bribe-to-njc-as-benue-judiciary-strikes-over-minimum-wage/