By Hassanat Adebowale
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has announced an immediate ban on protests and other activities within and around court premises in the state. The directive was issued in a statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, and shared with journalists in Makurdi.
The governor clarified that the ban does not affect the ongoing sittings of local election petition tribunals, which are time-sensitive and require uninterrupted access to court facilities. He emphasized that the tribunals would continue to use designated court halls for their proceedings.
Governor Alia noted that court premises in Benue have been closed since December 6, 2024, due to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike. He stated that the ban was necessary to maintain law and order during this period of limited judicial activity.
“Consequently, all individuals and groups are directed to refrain from carrying out any form of activity within or around the court premises until further notice,” the statement read. “Recognizing the time-bound nature of election petitions, only the election petition tribunals will be allowed access to the designated court premises where they are sitting.”
To ensure the safety of all involved, the governor announced that security measures have been put in place to protect tribunal members, petitioners, respondents, legal representatives, witnesses, and tribunal staff. He also banned unauthorized gatherings, protests, and commercial activities such as hawking around court premises.
Governor Alia warned that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences. He assured the public that the tribunal sittings would proceed peacefully and without interference, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding due process and the rule of law.
The governor also urged residents to remain calm and patient as they await the tribunal’s decisions. He expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice and highlighted the relative peace Benue has enjoyed since he assumed office, despite ongoing security challenges.
Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving security and fostering a peaceful environment for all residents of the state.
Governor Alia’s directive highlights the balance between maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to peaceful assembly and association. However, this right can be lawfully restricted in the interest of public safety and order, as outlined in Section 45 of the same Constitution.
By allowing election tribunals to proceed while banning disruptive activities, the governor’s decision seeks to balance these competing priorities. However, a blanket ban on all public activities, even peaceful ones, could face legal challenges. This situation reflects the tension between enforcing state security measures and safeguarding fundamental human rights, a recurring issue in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Dear readers, we really need your support to keep on serving you with authoritative, truthful, and juicy stories everyday. For your support, please reach out to the editor @gavelinternational66@gmail.com