Alleged plot to sway Benue LG appeal uncovered

Allegations of interference have emerged concerning the ongoing appeal over the Benue State local government elections, following reports of a secret meeting in Abuja between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa. 

The meeting is believed to have been aimed at influencing the outcome of the appeal proceedings.

Justice Bulkachuwa had previously faced serious accusations of judicial misconduct, including claims that she illegally assisted political allies of her husband, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, in securing favorable judgments during her tenure. 

In 2019, she was also allegedly approached by Senator Akume with bribes to overturn the electoral victories of Senators Gabriel Suswam, Oker Jev, Abba Moro, and several PDP House of Representatives members, though the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful due to public outcry.

In a statement released by the Nigerian Judicial Platform and signed by its President, Barrister Anthony Okechukwu, SAN, it was alleged that Senator Akume has again turned to Justice Bulkachuwa for assistance. 

According to the group, she reportedly influenced the appointment of the three Appeal Court judges—Justice D.E. Igyuse (Chairman), Justice M.T. Ugar, and Justice Ibrahim Mohammed—who are now sitting on the appeal panel.

The NJP claimed that Justice Bulkachuwa maintains significant control over the panel members, which they fear could be used to sway the final judgment.

Further revelations from the NJP allege that Senator Akume met with Justice Bulkachuwa and her husband shortly before leaving for Europe last week. 

It is claimed that Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese has been enlisted as an intermediary to liaise with the judges and Justice Bulkachuwa discreetly, minimizing public suspicion. 

The funds intended to influence the panel’s decision are reportedly to be funneled through both Bishop Anagbe and Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa.

The NJP stated that the goal of the alleged plot is to ensure the Appeal Court affirms the victories of the Austin Agada-led faction in nine local governments already decided in their favor by the Tribunal, while simultaneously overturning the victories of the Benjamin Omale-led faction in fourteen local governments. 

The group described the alleged plan as a blatant abuse of the judiciary, driven by a power struggle between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Senator Akume.

In response to these concerns, the NJP urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Judicial Council, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to intervene and prevent what they described as a calculated attempt to manipulate the judicial process. 

They also appealed to the current President of the Appeal Court, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, to either reprimand the panel or replace them with judges of unquestionable integrity.