According to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state’s judiciary would be granted financial independence in 2021 under the Benue State Judiciary Fund Management (Financial Independence) Law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On the occasion of the 2023-2024 Judiciary Legal Year celebration in Makurdi, Benue State, Governor Alia made the announcement on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the City Bay Event Centre.
The governor argues that empowering the judiciary with independent funding is crucial to establishing the rule of law and ensuring that judges are able to impartially implement the law while protecting citizens’ basic liberties.
Governor Alia, reiterating his administration’s commitment to luring investors to the state, said that the presence of a fair and impartial judiciary is essential to ensuring the safety of investors from frivolous lawsuits.
He praised the judiciary as a vital ally in his administration’s work to restore Benue State’s reputation and pledged to look out for judges at all levels of the system.
The governor’s chief spokesman, Tersoo Kula, released the following statement on his behalf: “The situation where judges of the lower courts in Benue State travel by public transportation, including commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada, is enormous risk and poses grave dangers to the lives of the judges and their work.”
Barrister Fidelis Mnyim, the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order, was tasked with communicating with Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge, to devise plans to enhance the judges’ working conditions.
After praising the state’s courts, Governor Alia issued a directive for the upcoming legal year: prioritize the prompt and efficient delivery of justice.
The Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, and the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, both spoke earlier on the importance of the judiciary in Nigeria’s electoral process and how it will continue to be a pillar of justice and democracy in the country and the state.
Members of the state’s highest courts, the state’s top lawyers, and high-ranking state officials all showed up to the ceremony.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate