The Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency in Governance has called for urgent intervention to prevent the Benue State Judicial Service Commission (BSJSC) from proceeding with a proposed strike action.
The group claimed that the strike was being influenced by political actors for personal interest, to jeopardise the delivery of justice in the state.
The executive director of the coalition, Hajia Jaiyeola Mohammed, in a petition addressed to the chairman of the National Judicial Service (NJC) and submitted to the Chief Judge of Benue State, highlighted concerns over the growing backlog of cases pending in the courts, which include both civil and criminal matters.
It emphasised that a strike would exacerbate the existing delays, stating that, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
The petition arose from a meeting held on October 21, 2024, during which it was reported that the Benue Judicial Service Commission was facing undue pressure from certain politicians. The Coalition maintained that the judiciary must remain independent and focused on its critical role as the guardian of justice for all citizens.
According to Hajia Mohammed, “Holding the entire state to ransom for the interests of a few is unacceptable, We urge the judiciary to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure that the proposed strike does not materialize, as it would result in significant injustice to those awaiting legal resolution.”
The coalition’s plea underscored the vital importance of the judiciary in Nigeria, particularly in times of political pressure. As citizens await a response, the implications of a potential strike loom large, raising concerns over access to justice in the state.
The petition read, “We are Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency in Governance, a non government organization (NGO) whose responsibilities include but not limited to ensuring good governance and accountability within the geographical sphere of Nigeria on the strength of which we write this petition.
“We have it on good authority and premised on the meeting held on the 21th day of October 2024 that the Benue state judicial service commission is being influence by politicians for personal reason (interest) to embark on strike without any cogent reason(s) and without regards to the interest of justice and the number of backlog of cases pending in court ranging from civil matters to criminal matters over the years.
“Your lordship is aware that justice delayed is Justice denied, hence the entire state cannot be held to ransom by a small group of people for reasons not bothering on the welfare of workers incidental there to.
“Consequent upon this, we urge your noble lordship to use your good office to carry out a thorough investigation into this matter with a view to ensuring that Benue State Judicial Service Commission does not carry out this proposed threat to embark on this ill-willed strike as it will result to a lot of injustice, as the judiciary is the last hope of the common man in Nigeria and should not be caught in the game of interest to the detriment of its purpose. Thanks in anticipation of a swift and positive response.”
