Tribunal: Alia Bans Protest, Other Activities Around Court Premises, Warns Violators

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has banned protests and other activities within and around court premises until further notice and warned that anyone found violating the directives will face legal consequences.

Governor Alia, who announced the ban in a statement through the Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said only local election petition tribunal sittings would be allowed due to their assignment’s time and sensitive nature.

The governor noted that the court in Benue State has been closed since December 6, 2024, due to the ongoing Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike.

According to him, “all individuals and groups are directed to refrain from carrying out any form of activity within or around the court premises until further notice.

“We understand that the local government election petition tribunals are utilising some court halls for their proceedings, and recognising 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 and security of all concerned, necessary security measures have been implemented to protect members of the tribunals, petitioners, respondents, their legal representatives, witnesses and the tribunal secretariat.

To maintain law and order, any form of protest, unauthorised gathering, or commercial activities such as hawking within and around the court premises have been banned.”

The governor guaranteed a peaceful atmosphere for the tribunal’s continued sittings in the open court in Benue State, ensuring that due process was followed without any form of interference.

He firmly believed in the judiciary and the rule of law and urged the public to “remain calm and patient as they await the tribunal’s decisions.”

He assured the people of the State that his administration remained committed to enhancing security and ensuring a safe and peaceful state for all.