May 10, (THEWILL) – The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, has said the purchase of vehicles for the Benue judiciary by Governor Hyacinth Alia after the autonomy was a symbol of support and commitment as promised when he assumed office.
The Commissioner was reacting to a query posed by Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in a tweet on Monday, May 7, 2024, challenging the viability of the autonomy granted to Benue State Judiciary if the State Governor was still buying cars for them.
“The esteemed Professor had wondered why Governor Alia of Benue State should procure vehicles for the state’s judiciary when the funds allocated to the judiciary could be utilised for that purpose.”
According to the Attorney General, the procurement of vehicles for the judiciary constitutes an additional benevolent gesture by the Governor.
He said the gesture was significant because Governor Alia had already granted full financial autonomy to the judiciary in February 2024, encompassing both recurrent and capital expenditures, consequent upon which the judiciary is receiving her complete share of funds accruing from FAAC and IGR, proportionate to the percentage of the budget for the month.
Barr. Mnyim emphasised that the judiciary has the financial wherewithal to procure vehicles of their choice, as the allocated funds are released to them at the end of each month.
“However, in demonstrating his commitment to the judiciary, justice, and the law, Governor Alia has opted to supplement the financial autonomy with a magnanimous donation of vehicles to the judiciary.
“This gesture is designed to inspire the judiciary to strive for excellence in their service delivery”, he stated.
The Attorney General further highlighted that Governor Alia’s benevolence extends beyond the judiciary, as his administration has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing staff welfare and effective service delivery across all sectors.
He assured that the present Alia administration won’t work for the interest of the few but for the generality of Benue interest and called for support to deliver on the mandate as promised during campaigns.
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