The state’s unlawful barricades must be removed right once, according to a directive from Benue’s governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
The Post Transition Committee held a Mass of Thanksgiving in his honor at St. Winifred’s Parish, where Alia issued the order. Alia noted that the bottlenecks posed security risks and encouraged illicit activity in the state.
“The prevalence of youngsters who see roadblocks as profitable businesses. It is a component of the resulting insecurity.
“Once we get rid of it, we’ll know who the troublemakers are who are bringing about discord. We would not want them to pass for illicit enterprises.
The governor asked groups involved in such activities in the state to immediately guarantee that the new instructions be followed strictly.
“The removal of unlawful obstacles to stop criminals from abusing them.
“The directive is provided to permit both simple and unrestricted movement of products and services, as well as free movement of businessmen and ladies.
“The instructions were important to facilitate ease of doing business in the state and to preserve and ensure unhindered travel and free movement of commodities within the nation.
To that purpose, no Police department, section, squad, or unit should erect a roadblock since, under the law, security personnel or organizations have no justification for doing so.
For the avoidance of doubt, section 2 (2) of the Taxes and Levies Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 prohibits anybody, including a Tax Authority, from establishing a roadblock in any area of the Federation in order to collect any Tax or Levy.
In order to lessen the effects of global warming, the governor also urged the populace to band together and oppose the careless cutting of trees.
He pointed out that Benue natives would encourage a greater understanding of the value of nature by refraining from the indiscriminate destruction of trees.
“There is a need for urgent worldwide action to rescue the environment and stop man from destroying himself.
“Man has severed his ties to nature via his misguided and selfish exploitation, which has caused the eco-balance to become unstable and greatly endangers human existence.
“Sustenance of remediation and re-awakening of world consciousness to environmental sustainability has therefore become imperative to save man from self-destruction and guarantee the connection of life on earth,” he said.
He contends that it is imperative that humans and nature once again work together to protect the environment, ensure human safety, and retain a high standard of life.
He emphasized the economic advantages of trees, emphasizing the need to educate the state’s citizens so they may choose to escape poverty.
According to Alia, “Economic trees can sustain a family, children’s maintenance and school costs can be supported, and the youth can be empowered through these means.”
He thanked the people of Benue for their prayers and support and urged them to hold firm to their resolve and look forward to brighter times.
