BY Bolanle Olabimtan
Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, says the state judiciary will soon gain financial autonomy in line with the constitution.
In a statement issued by Tersoo Kula, Alia’s chief press secretary, the governor spoke on Saturday at an event to celebrate the 2023/2024 Benue judiciary legal year.
The governor said financial autonomy for the judiciary would enable judges to apply the law without fear or favour but with respect for the fundamental human rights of citizens.
Alia said the financial independence of the judiciary is sacrosanct to his administration’s quest to drive investment and attract investors to the state.
He described the judiciary as a valued partner in his government’s efforts to reposition the state, promising to improve the welfare of judges, including those of the lower bench.
“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,” the governor was quoted as saying.
Alia directed Fidelis Mnyim, the state’s commissioner for justice, to liaise with Maurice Ikpambese, chief judge of Benue, to work out modalities towards improving the welfare of the judges.
The governor urged the judges to ensure speedy and timely dispensation of justice in this new legal year.
In his remarks, Ikpambese said the judiciary has played an important role in strengthening the electoral process in Nigeria.
He added that judiciary would continue to act as a pillar of justice to sustain democracy in the state and country.
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