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The Benin Summit Group has strongly condemned what it described as a sustained campaign of attacks, blackmail, and attempts to undermine the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to judicial independence, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s democratic system.
In a statement issued by its Convener, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the group expressed concern over what it termed an orchestrated effort by certain interests to drag the Chief Judge into political controversies and use the judiciary as an instrument for advancing partisan objectives.
According to Onaiwu, the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and must be protected from intimidation, manipulation, and public vilification by individuals seeking political advantage.
“We have watched with growing concern the orchestrated attempts to malign the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Okungbowa. These attacks are not only unfair and unwarranted, they constitute a direct threat to the integrity of the judiciary and the democratic principles upon which our society is founded. We will not tolerate it further,” he stated.
The Benin Summit Group stressed that the office of the Chief Judge is a constitutional institution that must be allowed to function independently and without interference.
“The Chief Judge occupies a constitutional office and must be allowed to discharge his duties without fear, intimidation, harassment, or political interference. The judiciary is not a political department and should not be treated as one,” Onaiwu added.
The group noted that judicial officers are expected to interpret and apply the law based solely on facts, evidence, and legal principles, rather than public sentiment, political pressure, or orchestrated propaganda campaigns.
Warning against efforts to drag the Chief Judge into partisan conflicts, the Convener said the group would resist any attempt to compromise the independence of the judiciary or use it as a tool for political battles.
“We will resist any attempt to make the Chief Judge a pawn for cheap political gain. We will resist any effort to turn the judiciary into a battleground for political supremacy.
“It does not matter whether such attacks come from political actors, government officials, or even respected sons and daughters of Benin occupying positions of authority. No individual or group should seek to compromise the independence of the judiciary for personal, political, or sectional interests,” he said.
Onaiwu further emphasized that the Benin Kingdom has a long-standing tradition of respect for institutions, due process, and the rule of law, urging public office holders to exercise restraint and responsibility in their comments on judicial matters.
He called on all stakeholders to allow legal processes to run their course and refrain from actions capable of eroding public confidence in the administration of justice.
“The judiciary must remain independent, impartial, and insulated from political manipulation. Any attempt to undermine the office of the Chief Judge ultimately undermines public confidence in the justice system and weakens the foundations of democracy itself,” he said.
The group also appealed to members of the Benin political class to unite in safeguarding the interests of the Benin people within the nation’s political space.
Reaffirming its commitment to defending democratic institutions and promoting the rule of law, the Benin Summit Group called on all parties involved to immediately cease further attacks on the Chief Judge and respect the sanctity of the judiciary as a co-equal arm of government.
“We will continue to protect the interest of credible Benins both in the public and private sector,” Onaiwu added.
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