From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Individuals and groups have been prohibited from carrying out any form of activity within or around court premises in Benue State until further notice.
Giving the directive in a statement on Tuesday, Governor Hyacinth Alia 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 on 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, however, gave an exception for the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals sitting in some court halls for their proceedings.
Alia maintained that to ensure the safety and security of all, his administration had put in place the necessary security measures to protect members of the tribunals, petitioners, respondents, their legal representatives, witnesses and the tribunal secretariat.
The statement equally banned all forms of protests, unauthorised gatherings or commercial activities within and around the court premises, warning that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.
The governor urged members of the public to remain calm and patient as they await the tribunal’s decision.