Professor Ernest Maduabuchi Ojukwu, a past Deputy Director-General and Head of Campus of the Nigerian Law School, has questioned the decision of Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to present six Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the state judiciary.

In a tweet from his Twitter handle @ernestojukwu, Professor Ojukwu asked, “Attorney-General Fidelis Mnyim, Why Should the Benue State Judiciary Not Have their Funds and Buy their own Vehicles?”

The professor’s comment comes in response to the news of Governor Alia’s presentation of the vehicles to the judiciary, which was made through the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim. During the presentation, the governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the judiciary staff for improved service delivery. He also commended the judiciary for its services and urged it to do more to ensure strict maintenance of law and order in the state.

Attorney-General Mnyim, speaking in his capacity, praised Governor Alia for promoting the rule of law in the state and granting autonomy to the judiciary for optimal performance. He further announced that the ministry had taken delivery of the vehicles, with four cars allocated to the State High Court judges and two to the judges of the Customary Court of Appeal. A date for the formal presentation of the cars to the judges would be communicated later.

However, Professor Ojukwu’s tweet raises concerns about the judiciary’s financial autonomy and its ability to independently manage its resources. The professor’s question implies that if the Benue State Judiciary were granted full financial autonomy, it would have the means to procure its own vehicles without relying on the executive arm of the government.

The issue of financial autonomy for the judiciary has been a topic of debate in Nigeria, with many advocates arguing that it is essential for maintaining the independence and integrity of the judicial system. The professor’s comment highlights the need for further discussions on the extent of financial autonomy granted to the judiciary in Benue State and other parts of the country.

As the conversation surrounding the judiciary’s independence and financial autonomy continues, it remains to be seen how Governor Alia’s administration and the Benue State government will address the concerns raised by Professor Ojukwu and other stakeholders in the legal community.

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