Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has raised concern over large financial deductions arising from garnishee proceedings against state and local government accounts, warning that they could weaken government’s ability to fund development projects.
Alia spoke at the Benue State High Court headquarters in Makurdi during a special court session marking the opening of the 2026-2027 legal year.
The governor called for stronger cooperation between the executive and judiciary when dealing with matters that could significantly affect public finances.
He stressed, however, that both arms of government should operate as constitutional partners rather than rivals.
Garnishee orders are court-backed enforcement mechanisms used to recover debts or judgment sums from money held for a debtor by a third party, including banks.
Alia said large awards against government accounts could affect planned spending on infrastructure and social programs.
He urged judges, lawyers and other justice-sector stakeholders to uphold professionalism, integrity and fairness while administering justice without fear or favour.
The governor also called for faster determination of cases and said Benue needed a justice system that was accessible, independent, efficient and responsive.
He linked legal stability to the state’s ability to attract investment and make progress in security, education, healthcare and economic development.
Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese urged judges and lawyers to resist frivolous applications and unnecessary adjournments that could delay cases.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Timothy Yangien said the legal year’s theme, “The Nigerian Judiciary at a Crossroads: Innovation, Accountability and Public Trust,” reflected the challenges facing the justice system.
The exchange highlighted the continuing tension between enforcement of valid judgments against government and the need to protect public finances from disruptive liabilities, while preserving judicial independence and creditors’ legal rights.
