Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has signed an executive order establishing the Department of Public Order in the Ministry of Justice to coordinate government policies and matters relating to public order.

Performing the ceremony on Friday in Makurdi, Mr Alia said the order was in pursuant to section 14 sub-section (2) of the 1999 constitution and section 10 of the Public Order Act, CAP 382 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said he inherited a state characterised by widespread criminality and political violence such as kidnappings, murders, and intimidation against targeted groups or individuals, leading to the emergence of local warlords and militia groups.

Represented by the deputy governor, Sam Ode, Mr Alia said those who breach the public rules would pay fines ranging from N20,000 to N500,000 or be imprisoned, depending on the gravity of the offence.

He said the order prohibits all acts of violence, disobedience, and lawlessness, and called for strict adherence.

Justifying the signing of the executive order, Mr Alia said the act was to assist in maintaining law and order in Benue.

He said the state faced several security issues and needed to adopt its own measures in collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to have a peaceful and harmonious home for all.

Mr Alia said the executive order reaffirms the government’s stand against crime and disorder.

He announced the establishment of a Public Order Advisory Committee with the mandate to advise the government on policies, restoration, attainment, preservation, and maintenance of public order and safety.

He said a Public Order Committee had been established to operate in all the local government areas by collaborating with the advisory committee and other stakeholders to enforce the prescribed public order laws.

The order prohibits extortion of developers, building on water channels or structures, kiosks, shanties on the right of way, and hawking or selling of goods of any kind by the roadside.

It also prohibits farming on empty, unfenced plots of land or in front of any premises or, on the street, or by the roadside within urban areas.

It forbids farming in undeveloped areas of government offices, quarters, or reserved areas.

It said rallies, wakes, and other forms of public gatherings should not hold beyond the hours of 10:00 p.m.

It insisted that any person or group wishing to hold a gathering beyond 10:00 p.m. must seek and obtain a permit from the Department of Public Order at the Ministry of Justice.

(NAN)