Benue Chief Judge warns magistrates against corruption

…Says Judicial Compromise Erodes Public Confidence in Justice System

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ahemba Ikpambese, has cautioned magistrates in the state against all forms of corruption, warning that any compromise of judicial independence undermines public confidence in the justice system.

Justice Ikpambese gave the warning on Friday during a strategic meeting with magistrates at High Court 1, Benue State High Court of Justice Headquarters in Makurdi.

The advice was contained in a statement issued by the Protocol Officer of the Benue State High Court of Justice, Mr. David Jooli.

Addressing the magistrates, the Chief Judge described the office of a judicial officer as one of the highest public trusts in a constitutional democracy, stressing that citizens approach the courts with the expectation that justice will not only be done but also be seen to be done.

He reminded the magistrates that their ultimate legacy would not be measured by the number of years spent on the Bench or the volume of judgments delivered, but by their fidelity to the judicial oath.

“When you eventually retire from the Bench, your greatest legacy will be whether you remained faithful to your oath of office,” he said.

Justice Ikpambese noted that corruption extends beyond the acceptance of financial inducements, explaining that favouritism, abuse of discretion, unnecessary adjournments, improper communication with litigants or lawyers, manipulation of court records, selective application of the law and any conduct that compromises judicial independence also constitute corruption.

“The moment a judicial officer allows political, financial, social, ethnic, religious or personal considerations to influence a decision, justice ceases to exist and public confidence in the judiciary begins to erode. Once that confidence is lost, no amount of legal learning can restore it overnight,” he warned.

He also advised magistrates to avoid undue familiarity with litigants and legal practitioners.

The Chief Judge further urged magistrates to exercise caution in handling garnishee proceedings, particularly those involving public funds and government institutions, describing them as special statutory proceedings that directly affect the rights of judgment creditors, judgment debtors and third parties.

According to him, such cases require the highest level of diligence, caution and strict adherence to the law.

Justice Ikpambese also cautioned against unnecessary adjournments, reiterating that justice delayed is justice denied.

He stressed the need for prompt delivery of rulings and judgments to ensure the timely dispensation of justice.

The Chief Judge further emphasised the importance of continuous legal education, noting that the law is constantly evolving through new procedural rules and appellate court decisions.

Responding on behalf of the magistrates, the Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Benue State Branch, Regina Alashi, thanked the Chief Judge for what she described as timely and valuable guidance.

She assured him that magistrates in the state would continue to uphold integrity, minimise delays in the administration of justice and sustain public confidence in the judiciary.

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