The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order of Benue State, Hon. Barr. Fidelis Mnyim has said the car gift to the judiciary by Governor Hyacinth Alia is a symbol of support and commitment as promised when he assumed office.

Barr Mnyim was reacting to a query posed by Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in a tweet on Monday, 7th May 2024, challenging the viability of the autonomy granted to Benue State Judiciary if the State governor was still buying cars for them.

DAILY POST recalls that Governor Alia donated six (SUV) vehicles recently to the judiciary.

The 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 utilized for that purpose.

The Attorney General of the State said that the procurement of vehicles for the judiciary constituted an additional benevolent gesture by the Governor.

He said the gesture was particularly significant in light of the fact that 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.

Mnyim emphasized 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.

He said the governor only demonstrated his commitment to justice and the law, to supplement the financial autonomy with the donation of vehicles to the judiciary.

The Attorney General said the gesture was designed to inspire the judiciary to strive for excellence in their service delivery.

He further highlighted that Governor Alia’s benevolence extended beyond the judiciary, as his administration had implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing staff welfare and effective service delivery across all sectors.

“The Governor’s commitment to the welfare of the judiciary and the entire citizenry of Benue State is evident in his unwavering dedication to fostering an environment conducive to justice, equity, and progress,” he stated.