A whopping 95 percent cut in budgetary allocation, alleged interference in judicial appointments, and cornering of contracts for capital projects have set the Executive arm of the Edo State government and the Judiciary on collision course.
Newsmata.com.ng gathered that a major cause of tension between the two arms is a massive cut in the capital budget of the third arm of government from N6 billion under the immediate past administration, to a paltry N300 million without any explanation.
Sources who should know hinted that the no-love-lost relationship between the two arms of government blew open during a meeting of High Court Judges held last Friday in Benin, where concerns were allegedly raised over what some judicial officers described as increasing executive interference in judicial matters.
Discussions were said to have centred on the recent appointment of Justice Mary Asemota as Acting President of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal and the handling of judicial infrastructure projects by the state government.
Inside sources at the meeting further disclosed that the judges expressed outrage over the direct involvement of the executive in the renovation of court facilities, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation of the High Court in Irrua, allegedly valued at about N500 million.
Consequently, some judges reportedly argued that such projects had previously been coordinated through the judiciary and could be executed at much lower costs.
It was also gathered that Judges were warned at the meeting against close association with political actors to avoid undermining the independence of the judiciary by executive influence.
The intervention of Justice Peter Akhime Akhihiero was said to have calmed frayed nerves as he urged judicial officers to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation in resolving differences with the state government.
He was said have advocated for a delegation of senior judges to engage Governor Monday Okpebholo with a view to resolving the issues between the two arms of government.
Justice Akikhero also called on members of the judiciary to support Justice Asemota’s appointment, describing it as a positive development for the state’s justice system.
His remarks, sources at the meeting said, drew applause from a majority of judges present, reflecting apparent support for the appointment.
Justice Asemota was also said to have appealed for peace and cooperation, urging stakeholders to work collectively toward strengthening the Customary Court of Appeal.
Nevertheless, it was learnt that moves were being made by opposing interests within the judiciary to challenge her eventual confirmation as substantive president of the court through petitions to the National Judicial Council, NJC.
The expected swearing-in of Justice Asemota last Monday by Governor Okpebholo was postponed indefinitely. No reason was however given for the postponement.
Meanwhile, Justice Efe Ikponwonba, considered by another camp as a preferred candidate for the position, has also emerged in the ongoing contest over the court’s leadership.
The dispute over the Customary Court headship is said to have been further complicated by ongoing legal battles linked to the appointment process.
Sources disclosed that a suit challenging aspects of the process was recently dismissed for lack of merit and locus standi, although an appeal has reportedly been filed.
When contacted for comment on the issues, Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, Benson Osawaru declined to speak.
“I am not aware of the issues. I honestly advise that you speak with the Chief Judge”, he said.
But another top judiciary source in the state admitted that there were elements of truth in the inquiry.
