Alia Warns Against Garnishee Orders to Govt
George Okoh in Makurdi Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has raised concerns over the huge financial awards arising from garnishee proceedings against state and local government
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has cautioned against garnishee orders against state and local government accounts, alleging that such deductions could impede the government's development initiatives. Alia made this assertion at the Benue State High Court Headquarters in Makurdi during the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
He emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration between the Executive and Judiciary, urging them to view each other as partners rather than rivals, in order to better serve the populace. Alia urged judicial officers, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders in the justice system to maintain professionalism, integrity, and fairness, ensuring that justice was dispensed impartially and without prejudice.
He stressed the importance of upholding professional ethics and the dignity of the judicial profession, anchored on faith in God, to preserve public trust in the legal system. Alia also called upon the Judiciary to collaborate with the administration to tackle delays in case adjudication, asserting that litigants should receive equitable and timely hearings.
He further highlighted the need for a justice system that is accessible, efficient, independent, and responsive, stating that the state's progress in security, economic growth, investment, education, healthcare, and social welfare would only be realized in a stable legal and institutional framework. Alia characterized the Judiciary as a cornerstone of democracy and a crucial institution for safeguarding citizens' rights and providing remedies against injustice.
State Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese reminded judicial officers and members of the Bar to stay steadfast in their role of administering justice and to resist actions that could erode public confidence in the legal system. He urged them to handle justice scales with diligence, reject frivolous applications and unnecessary adjournments that solely aim to delay case resolutions.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Timothy Yangien, noted that the theme of the Legal Year, "The Nigerian Judiciary at a Crossroads: Innovation, Accountability and Public Trust," is highly pertinent to the current challenges in the justice sector.
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