Justice and Human Rights Advocates have faulted Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state over the appointment of caretaker local government chairmen in breach of the directive of the National Industrial Court.

The Executive Director of the group, Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, at a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday argued that the action remains a blatant disregard for judicial authority and the rule of law.

The right group contended that the decision not only violates also contravenes established legal precedents, including a Supreme Court judgment that outlawed the dissolution of elected local government councils and the establishment of caretaker committees by state governors.

The group emphasized by proceeding with these appointments, Alia undermines the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional governance and sets a concerning precedent for the erosion of democratic principles in the state.

The group also upbraided the Governor Alia-led administration over alleged poor funding of the judiciary, attempted unconstitutional removal of the state Chief Judge, interference with the legislative arm, attempted bribery of the National Judicial Council, violent assault on Judges: and Executive rascality and high-handedness

They alleged that the state’s judiciary suffers from deliberate underfunding, leading to deplorable conditions within court facilities. Courtrooms are plagued by broken windows, inadequate seating for lawyers and litigants, and the absence of functional sanitation facilities, forcing individuals to resort to open defecation within court premises.

They claimed that the lack of electricity hampers judicial proceedings, and the High Court library remains outdated with obsolete research materials, undermining the judiciary’s effectiveness in the state.

They argued that failure to pay judiciary staff salaries has resulted in prolonged strikes, effectively paralyzing judicial activities in the state and denying citizens their right to timely justice.

They observed that despite the government’s announcement of a new ₦75,000 minimum wage, judiciary workers were excluded from this implementation, leading to further discontent.

According to the group, the government’s inability to resolve these salary disputes not only hampers the judiciary’s functionality but also erodes public trust in the state’s commitment to uphold the rule of law.

They claimed, among others allegation of gross misconduct, that Governor Alia’s interference with the legislative arm is evident through his influence over the selection of principal officers and the alleged sponsorship of the suspension of 13 assembly members who opposed the removal of the Chief Judge.

“This suspension, deemed unconstitutional by legal experts, undermines legislative independence. Additionally, the closure of the legislative complex, forcing sessions to convene under executive oversight, further compromises the separation of powers essential for democratic governance,” they noted.