By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has charged judicial officers, lawyers and other justice-sector professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, fairness and integrity in the administration of justice.
Alia also urged the Judiciary to consider the broader economic and developmental implications of garnishee proceedings involving government accounts, warning that substantial deductions could affect the state’s ability to meet its development obligations.
The Governor made the call on Monday at a special court session held at the headquarters of the Benue State High Court in Makurdi to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
He said the prevailing circumstances required greater understanding and cooperation between the Executive and Judiciary, stressing that both arms of government should complement rather than work against each other in matters affecting the welfare of citizens.
According to him, public confidence in the justice system can only be sustained when citizens are assured that cases will be handled professionally, fairly and without fear or favour.
The Governor further called for measures to reduce delays in litigation, noting that timely resolution of cases was critical to protecting citizens’ rights and creating the stability required for investment and economic growth.
Alia said his administration was implementing an agenda focused on security, agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic expansion, stressing that the success of these initiatives required a stable and effective legal and institutional framework
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He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the justice system.
The Governor also called for judicial support for the state’s economic and agricultural expansion programmes, expressing optimism that the new Legal Year would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to address challenges confronting the justice sector.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, urged judicial officers and members of the legal profession to remain committed to the effective administration of justice.
Ikpambese cautioned the Bench and Bar against frivolous processes and unnecessary adjournments capable of prolonging litigation.
He stressed that judges and lawyers had complementary responsibilities in upholding justice, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring an efficient justice system.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Timothy Yangien, said the theme of the Legal Year, “The Nigerian Judiciary at a Crossroads: Innovation, Accountability and Public Trust,” highlighted the urgent need for reforms capable of restoring public confidence in the justice system.
Yangien advocated greater accountability, transparency, integrity and professional responsibility among stakeholders in the justice sector.
The event culminated in the commissioning of several judicial infrastructure projects, including the Judicial Service Commission complex, a clinic at the High Court, asphalted internal roads and the remodelled High Court complex.
Governor Alia expressed optimism that the newly commissioned facilities would provide a more conducive working environment for judicial officers and enhance justice delivery across the state.
