The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) has strongly condemned what it describes as increasing judicial interference in Nigeria’s political affairs, warning that such actions threaten democracy and the rule of law.

The statement comes in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the suspension of Benue State’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese. His suspension has deepened the judicial crisis in the state, sparking national and international concerns.

Judicial Controversy in Benue State

Justice Ikpambese’s suspension followed a recommendation by the Benue State Assembly, which accused him of gross misconduct, financial mismanagement, and political interference. However, the National Judicial Council (NJC) swiftly intervened, affirming Ikpambese as the legitimate Chief Judge and nullifying the Assembly’s removal attempt, pending a full investigation.

UN-WCD Decries Widespread Judicial Interference

Speaking at an international press conference in Abuja on February 27, 2025, UN-WCD Secretary-General H.E. Amb. Prof. Tunji John Asaolu expressed deep concern over a growing trend of conflicting court orders and judicial bias in states like Rivers, Osun, and Benue.

He called for immediate sanctions, including visa bans, against judges and officials involved in undermining democratic principles.

“We have received reports from states like Rivers, where judicial workers, especially judges, have issued conflicting rulings on political matters solely to frustrate democracy,” Asaolu stated.

“In Osun State, a conflicting State High Court order and Appeal Court judgment over the dissolution and reinstatement of Local Government Council Chairmen have further weakened judicial integrity. Meanwhile, in Benue, Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese reportedly undermined justice by granting undue waivers to petitioners in a local government election tribunal, violating legal procedures."

Violation of Democratic Principles and International Standards

Asaolu emphasized that such judicial interference contradicts the core objectives of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG). The ACDEG promotes universal democratic values, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law.

“The Benue State Chief Judge, the court registrar, the Senate Minority Leader, and all those who supported the Chief Judge’s actions should face sanctions, including visa bans. This is the same stance we took regarding Rivers State and INEC officials who deliberately undermined democratic principles during elections,” he asserted.

Benue State’s International Significance

The UN-WCD highlighted Benue State as an area of particular interest to the global community, given its ongoing security threats and the presence of numerous internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

“The human rights community warns that allowing judicial officers to erode institutions like democracy and the rule of law will make it even harder for Benue State to recover and develop,” Asaolu added.

Call for Judicial Reforms and Accountability

In response to the concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Judicial Council (NJC), Asaolu urged a cautious approach that respects due process and the presumption of innocence.

“As the international community monitors these developments, we stress the importance of accountability for all public officials, including judges. Any misconduct or abuse of power must be met with swift and decisive action to restore public confidence in the judiciary,” he said.

UN-WCD’s Demands for Immediate Action

The UN-WCD outlined key demands to address the crisis and uphold judicial integrity in Nigeria:

1. Prioritize Justice, Transparency, and Accountability: All stakeholders must ensure their actions align with democratic principles, free from political interference.
2. Respect Judicial Independence: The rule of law must be upheld to protect citizens’ rights.
3. Sanction Compromised Judges: The NJC and NBA must condemn illegal actions by judicial officers and ensure accountability.
4. Independent Investigation: The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation must establish an independent panel to thoroughly investigate allegations of financial irregularities and ethical breaches against Justice Ikpambese.

As Nigeria navigates these judicial challenges, the UN-WCD remains committed to advocating for ethical governance and a transparent legal system that upholds democracy and the rule of law.