We’ll give the Benue judiciary financial independence, says Gov Alia

According to Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State, the court in the state would receive financial autonomy in accordance with the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution and the Benue State court Fund Management (Financial Autonomy) Law of 2021.

On September 16, 2023, during the celebration of the 2023–2024 Benue State Judiciary Legal Year at Makurdi’s City Bay Event Centre, Governor Alia made this announcement.

According to the governor, providing the judiciary with financial independence is a crucial component of the rule of law since it would allow judges to uphold the citizens’ basic human rights while enforcing the law impartially and without fear or favour.

The courts must be available to shield investors against unnecessary legal actions, according to Governor Alia, who reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building an environment that encourages investment and draws outside capital to the state.

In his efforts to reposition Benue State, he hailed the judicial branch of government as a valuable partner, and he pledged to look into the welfare of judges, even those in the lower courts.

The governor of Benue State, Gov. Alia, stated in a statement released by Tersoo Kula, his chief press secretary: “The situation where judges of the lower courts in Benue State travel by public transportation, including commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada, is an enormous risk and poses grave dangers to the lives of the judges and their work.”

The governor gave Barrister Fidelis Mnyim, the state’s attorney general and commissioner of justice and public order, instructions to communicate with Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the chief judge, and develop strategies geared at enhancing the judges’ welfare.

Gov. Alia praised the state’s judiciary and tasked judges with working to ensure prompt and efficient administration of justice in the upcoming legal year.

The Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, and the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, both spoke earlier in separate addresses. They emphasised the special role the judiciary has played in bolstering the electoral process in Nigeria and further stated that the judiciary will continue to act as a pillar of justice and sustain democracy in both Nigeria and Benue State.

Top officials from the state’s government, members of the Bench and Bar, and members of the judiciary all attended the ceremony.