Alia Bans Activities in Benue Courts over Security Concerns

George Okoh in Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has restricted activities in Benue State courts. Alia also placed a ban on protests, unauthorised gatherings, and commercial activities within and around court premises in the state, citing security concerns.

But he said the directive exempted members of the election petitions tribunal, legal counsels, and petitioners involved in ongoing cases.

In a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Alia said courts in the state had remained shut since December 6, 2024 due to a strike by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.

“To maintain law and order, His Excellency has banned any form of protest, unauthorised gathering, or commercial activities, such as hawking within and around court premises. Anyone found violating this directive will face legal consequences,” the statement read.

While restricting access, Alia acknowledged that the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals were utilising certain court halls for their proceedings.

Given the time-sensitive nature of election-related cases, he emphasised that only the tribunals would be granted access to designated court facilities.

The statement further disclosed that the government had put in place adequate security measures to ensure the safety of tribunal members, petitioners, respondents, legal representatives, witnesses, and tribunal staff.

Alia assured the people that the state remained committed to upholding due process and ensuring the uninterrupted proceedings of the election petition tribunal.

The statement said, “As a firm believer in the judiciary and the rule of law, His Excellency urges the public to remain calm and patient while awaiting the tribunal’s decisions.

“Since assuming office, Benue State has enjoyed relative peace on the security front, though some challenges persist.”