By Abigail Philip David
A peaceful protest broke out in Abuja on Monday as demonstrators marched from the National Assembly Complex to the Supreme Court, voicing their concerns over the judiciary crisis in Benue State.
The protesters, consisting of civil society organisations, human rights groups, and concerned citizens, carried banners condemning the alleged political interference in the Benue Local Government Election Tribunal.
They urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to intervene and remove corrupt judges from the judiciary. Additionally, they called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to ensure justice is upheld.
“Today, we stand as concerned Nigerians who believe in the rule of law. Our democracy is at risk, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria must act swiftly,” said Igwe Ude-Umanta, convener of the protest.
He also warned that the Benue situation is particularly alarming, as some petitioners allegedly had no involvement in the election process yet were influencing tribunal decisions.
The crisis intensified after Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpembese, ordered the tribunal’s relocation from Makurdi to the NBA House in Abuja, citing security concerns.
However, a Federal High Court in Makurdi later issued a restraining order, insisting that the tribunal must sit in Benue State.
In response, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) petitioned an FCT High Court in Abuja, seeking to uphold the relocation order. On Friday, the court ruled in APC’s favor, directing the tribunal to continue its proceedings in Abuja and barring its sitting in Benue State.
