Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state has signed into law, 10 Bills recently passed by the Benue State House of Assembly in its first legislative year.
Signing the Bills in Makurdi, the governor explained that “the laws are meant to protect the general safety of Benue people and also ensure that their rights as citizens are not abuse by others.”
He also emphasized that the new laws were not targeted at anyone or political party and urged the people of the state to shun those fueling such sentiments.
According to Governor Alia, the new laws “would make the people understand that Benue is their home and that they would protect their home and pass onto those coming after them their genuineness, their legitimacy, their sincerity, and their truth.”
He also clarified that the already existing Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law was not tempered with by his government.
While warning against intra and inter state crises the Governor urged traditional rulers in the various communities to ensure peace in their respective communities.
Presenting the bills to the Governor, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh said the bills were a testament to the commitment of the 10th Benue Assembly to making laws that would impact positively on the people of the state.
Earlier, the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim also emphasized that no part of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017 was repealed.
The Bills signed into included “A Law to Make Provisions for Benue State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency and Other Matters Connected Therewith 2024. A Law to Prohibit Harassment, Extortion of Money from Land Developers (Marching Ground), Violent and Fraudulent Conducts in Relation to Landed Properties and for Purposes Connected Therewith 2024.
“A Law to Provide for the Establishment of Benue State Civil Protection Guards and for Purposes Connected Therewith 2024 (Here, the Livestock Guards and the Community Volunteer Guards will be merged. A Law to Establish the Benue State Legislative Budget and Research Office and for Purposes Connected Therewith 2024.”
Others included “a Law to Repeal a Law to make Provisions for the Maintenance of the Former Elected Governors of the State and their Deputies and for Other Matters Connected Therewith 2024. A Law to Provide for Benue State Youth Development Commission, Implementation of Sustainable Youth Policy and Other Matters Connected Therewith 2024. A Law to Amend the Public Procurement Commission Law and for Purposes Connected Therewith 2024.
“A Law to Regulate the Engagement of Casual Workers in the Benue State Public Service and for Purposes Connected Therewith 2024. A Law to Provide for the Retirement of Magistrate, Judges and Other Matters Connected Therewith 2024 and A Law to Regulate the Benue State House of Assembly Commission Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith 2024.”
