GOVERNOR ALIA ATTENDS 2026/2027 LEGAL YEAR CELEBRATION, COMMISSIONS KEY JUDICIAL PROJECTS, REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR THE JUDICIARY

GOVERNOR ALIA ATTENDS 2026/2027 LEGAL YEAR CELEBRATION, COMMISSIONS KEY JUDICIAL PROJECTS, REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR THE JUDICIARY

The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Judiciary, improving judicial officers’ welfare and upholding the rule of law by commissioning the newly built Judicial Service Commission Complex, the remodelled and renovated High Court of Justice Complex, the High Court Clinic, and newly asphalted roads around the High Court premises in Makurdi, forming part of the activities marking the commencement of 2026/2027 Legal Year.

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association, judicial officers and other stakeholders commended the Governor for granting financial autonomy to the judiciary and investing in critical infrastructure across the state. Speaking for the NBA, the representative specifically commended the autonomy, the ongoing overhaul of the judicial salary structure, the construction and renovation of court facilities, the upgrade of courtrooms, the appointment of lawyers to key positions in the administration, and the enactment of laws on electricity, water and sanitation that support economic development, while appealing for sustained support for lawyers and sustained efforts in the fight against insecurity.

Responding, Governor Alia described the judiciary as a critical institution that protects citizens’ rights, stressing that justice must remain accessible, fair and independent regardless of social status. He explained that financial autonomy ensures funds meant for the third arm of government reaches it directly, and that the newly commissioned facilities demonstrate the practical benefits of that autonomy.

Speaking on his administration’s support for the Judiciary, Governor Alia stated that the administration has prioritised the welfare of judicial and law officers through improved working conditions, official vehicles, vacation support, salary harmonisation and modern office facilities, with the ongoing construction of a modern, state-of-the-art Ministry of Justice Complex, which, upon completion, will provide Judiciary with a world-class working environment equipped with modern facilities and technology. The Governor also stated that plans are underway to supply buses to the three branches of the NBA in the state.

On security, as the administration continues to collaborate with the Federal Government in fighting insecurity, Governor Alia thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting support to the State, specifically the approval for the establishment of the 5 Division of the Nigerian Army in Makurdi and noted that the number of Local Governments who were in the frontlines of insecurity out of the 23 LGAs upon his assumption of office in 2023 have have been fought down from 17 to 3, while Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps has remarkably reduced, with more people returning to their ancestral communities.

He called on the judiciary, legal practitioners and stakeholders to uphold professionalism, courage and justice, emphasising collaboration between the Executive and the Judiciary in building a stronger Benue, and congratulated the Chief Judge, judicial officers and the legal community on the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.