Garnishee deductions could undermine Benue’s development – Alia

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, has raised concerns over the huge financial awards arising from garnishee proceedings against state and local government accounts, warning that such deductions could undermine the government’s development efforts.

He disclosed this on Monday at the Benue State High Court Headquarters in Makurdi during the special court session marking the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.

Governor Alia called for stronger cooperation between the Executive and Judiciary in handling issues that could affect the state’s development, stressing that the two arms of government should not be seen as rivals but as partners with a shared responsibility to serve the people.

He urged judicial officers, lawyers and other justice-sector stakeholders to uphold professionalism, integrity and fairness, while ensuring that justice was administered without fear or favour.

According to him, adherence to professional ethics and the dignity of the judicial profession, anchored on the fear of God, remained essential to maintaining public confidence in the justice system.

Governor Alia also appealed to the Judiciary to work with his administration to address delays in the determination of cases, stressing that litigants should be given fair and timely hearings.

“Benue needed a justice system that was accessible, efficient, independent and responsive .

“The Judiciary is a fundamental pillar of democracy and a vital institution for citizens seeking protection of their rights and redress against injustice,” he said.

Gov Alia assured that his administration would continue to support measures aimed at strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of the judicial system.

He urged the Judiciary to support the government’s economic and agricultural expansion programmes, expressing confidence that the new legal year would provide fresh opportunities for the justice sector to address its challenges and contribute to the development of the state.

Earlier, the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, charged judicial officers and members of the Bar to remain firm in the administration of justice and resist practices capable of undermining public confidence in the legal system.

He urged the Bench and Bar to handle the scales of justice with steady hands, while rejecting frivolous applications and unnecessary adjournments designed merely to delay the determination of cases.