Legal Group Defends Edo Chief Judge, Condemns Alleged Smear Campaign

The Independent Bar Initiative (IBI) has strongly condemned what it described as a coordinated campaign aimed at discrediting the Chief Judge of Edo State, warning that efforts to intimidate the head of the judiciary pose a threat to judicial independence and the rule of law.

In a statement released on Thursday in Lagos, the legal advocacy group accused unnamed individuals and interest groups of sponsoring a sustained media and propaganda campaign designed to undermine the credibility and reputation of the state's Chief Judge.

According to the IBI, the attacks are part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of a judicial officer it described as one of the country's most respected and principled figures within the judiciary.

The group insisted that the alleged smear campaign would ultimately fail, maintaining that the Chief Judge's record and commitment to justice remain intact despite the criticisms being directed at the office.

Emphasizing the importance of judicial independence, the Initiative noted that the judiciary must remain free from political influence, external interference, and undue pressure in order to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Citing Section 121 of the Constitution, the group stated that judicial autonomy is a fundamental constitutional requirement and stressed that the judiciary, as one of the three arms of government, must be allowed to function without intimidation or manipulation.

"The judiciary cannot and will not thrive on frivolous attacks or favoritism. Its strength lies in upholding what is legally and constitutionally right," the group stated.

Addressing concerns surrounding recent judicial appointments in Edo State, particularly those relating to the Customary Court of Appeal, the Initiative argued that the Chief Judge acted in line with established legal procedures and judicial principles.

The group maintained that the previous Customary Court of Appeal had been lawfully dissolved, making any newly constituted court a separate legal institution whose appointments must comply with current legal requirements.

According to the statement, judicial appointments should be guided by due process and seniority at the Bench rather than provisions allegedly introduced into legislation through irregular means.

The IBI called for an immediate halt to what it described as blackmail, misinformation, and propaganda targeted at the Chief Judge, warning that persistent attacks on judicial officers could erode public trust in the justice system.

In its concluding remarks, the group cautioned those behind the alleged campaign to desist from actions capable of undermining the judiciary, stressing that institutions responsible for dispensing justice must be protected from undue influence.

The statement comes amid ongoing public discussions surrounding judicial appointments and governance issues in Edo State, with legal stakeholders increasingly emphasizing the need to uphold judicial independence and respect the rule of law.