Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assured that the Judiciary arm of government in the state will get its financial autonomy soon as part of the essential ingredient of the rule of law.
Rev Alia also said that the move is in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Benue State Judiciary Fund Management (Financial Autonomy) Law, 2021.
This was as he described the Judiciary arm of government as a valued partner in his administration’s efforts to reposition Benue state as a whole thus, assured that he would look into the welfare of Judges including those of the lower bench.
Governor Alia, who stated these on Saturday during the 2023/2024 celebration of the Benue State Judiciary Legal year, said that granting financial autonomy to the judiciary will enable the judges to apply the law without fear or favour but, with respect to the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.
Alia while emphasising the determination of his administration to create an enabling investment environment to attract investors to the state, said such a desire can only become possible if the judiciary arm is there to protect investors from unwarranted legal proceedings.
In the words of Governor Alia; “situations 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”.
He therefore directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order in the State, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, to liaise with the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, and work out modalities aimed at improving the welfare of the Judges.
While felicitating with the judiciary in the state, the governor charged them to strive towards ensuring speedy and timely dispensation of justice in this new legal year.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese and Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, emphasised the special role the judiciary has played in strengthening the electoral process in Nigeria, adding that the judiciary will continue to act as a pillar of justice and sustain democracy in Benue State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Benue Governor, stated that the event was attended by top officials of the judiciary in the state, members of the Bar and top government functionaries.
