Shun favouritism, corruption – Benue Chief Judge tells magistrates

The Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ahemba Ikpambese, has urged magistrates in the state to avoid favouritism, corruption and other forms of judicial misconduct that could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

Ikpambese gave the warning on Friday during a strategic meeting with magistrates in Makurdi, according to a statement by the Protocol Officer of the Benue State High Court of Justice, David Jooli.
He said corruption is not limited to accepting bribes, stressing that favouritism, abuse of discretion, unnecessary adjournments, manipulation of court records and allowing personal or political interests to influence judgments also amount to 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,”he said.

The Chief Judge also urged magistrates to avoid unnecessary adjournments, deliver judgments promptly and continue updating their legal knowledge.

Responding, Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Benue State Branch, Regina Alashi, assured the Chief Judge that magistrates would uphold integrity, reduce delays in the administration of justice and sustain public confidence in the judiciary.