The Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, has cautioned magistrates in the state against all forms of corruption, warning that judicial misconduct extends beyond the acceptance of bribes to include any actions capable of undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.
Justice Ikpambese gave the warning on Friday during a strategic meeting with magistrates held at High CoMakurdiurt 1, High Court of Justice Headquarters, Makurdi, warned that judicial misconduct extends beyond the acceptance of bribes.
“Corruption is broader than financial inducement, favoritism, abuse of discretion, unnecessary delays, improper communication with litigants or counsel, manipulation of court records, selective application of the law and any conduct that compromises judicial independence are also corrupt practices,” he said.
The Chief Judge said the integrity of the judiciary depends on the conduct of judicial officers, urging magistrates to remain faithful to their oath of office throughout their careers.
He reminded the magistrates that the office of a judicial officer is built on public trust, stressing that citizens approach the courts with the expectation to get justice.
“The true legacy of every judicial officer will not be measured by the number of years spent on the Bench or the volume of judgments delivered, but by their commitment to fairness, honesty and the rule of law.
“Once judicial officers allow political, financial, social, ethnic, religious or personal interests to influence their decisions, justice ceases to exist and public confidence in the judiciary begins to diminish,”Justice Ikpambese warned.
He advised the magistrates to avoid undue familiarity with litigants, lawyers and other parties appearing before them, saying such relationships could create the perception of bias and weaken confidence in judicial outcomes.
Justice Ikpambese also drew attention to garnishee proceedings, describing them as special statutory proceedings that require exceptional caution and strict adherence to the law.
“Garnishee matters directly affect the rights of judgment creditors, judgment debtors and third parties holding funds on behalf of others, making it imperative for magistrates to exercise diligence and sound legal judgment in handling such cases,” he said.
The Chief Judge also frowned at unnecessary adjournments, reminding magistrates that delayed justice amounts to denied justice and urged them to ensure timely disposal of cases.
He stressed the importance of continuous legal education, observing that the legal profession is constantly evolving through new procedural rules and decisions of appellate courts.
Justice Ikpambese therefore urged magistrates to continually update their knowledge to remain effective and responsive to emerging developments in the administration of justice.
He further challenged them to renew their commitment to honesty, integrity, diligence, courage, humility, discipline and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law.
“Sustaining those values will strengthen the judiciary, protect Nigeria’s democracy and promote lasting peace, order and justice in society.
“The office of a judicial officer carries one of the highest public trusts in our constitutional democracy. Citizens come to the courts expecting that justice will not only be done but will be seen to be done, and we must never betray that trust.
“Corruption is not limited to the exchange of money. Favoritism, abuse of discretion, unnecessary delays, manipulation of court records and every act that compromises judicial independence equally amount to corruption and must be avoided,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the magistrates, Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Benue State Branch, Regina Alashi Esq., appreciated the Chief Judge for the guidance.
“Magistrates in the state would remain committed to their responsibility as the first point of contact in the justice delivery system by upholding integrity, reducing delays and maintaining public confidence in the judiciar,” Alashi assured.
She pledged that the association would continue to promote professionalism and ensure that magistrates discharge their constitutional duties in accordance with the law and the highest ethical standards.
Veteran journalist and recipient of A.B.C Yola, Reporter of the Year Award (1997), Hassan Umar Shallpella, works with WAP as a Regional Correspondence. He was trained at Institute of Mass Communication and Technology Jos and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Training School Lagos.He was a News desk Editor and a Correspondent at the Punch newspaper and till 2019, was the Deputy Editor ofThe Scope newspaper.
Latest posts by Hassan Umar Shallpella (Regional Correspondent) (see all)
previous
Security Rescues Kidnapped School Principal, Students, NECO Official In Kogi
next