Alia maintained that to ensure the safety and security of all concerned, his administration has put in place necessary security measures to protect members of the tribunals
By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Individuals and groups have been prohibited from carrying out any form of activities within or around court premises in Benue State until further notice.
Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia who gave the directive in a statement said the aim is to ensure peace and order in the state amid the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, which began December 6 last year and led to the closure of court premises in the state
The governor’s statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula yesterday in Makurdi, however, gave an exception for the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals, utilizing some court halls for their proceedings.
Alia maintained that to ensure the safety and security of all concerned, his administration has put in place necessary security measures to protect members of the tribunals, petitioners, respondents, their legal representatives, witnesses, and the tribunal secretariat.
In addition, the statement has equally banned all forms of protest, unauthorized gatherings, or commercial activities such as hawking within and around the court premises as well as warned that anyone found violating this directive will face legal consequences.
Governor Alia in the statement, urged members of the public to remain calm and patient as they await the tribunal’s decisions.
The governor maintained that his administration has witnessed relative peace despite challenges of insecurity in some areas, assuring the people that government would always remain committed to enhancing security and ensuring a safe and peaceful state for all.