From JOHNSON NONGU, Makurdi
Benue State Judiciary has called for stronger institutional reforms, innovation and accountability as it begins the 2026/2027 legal year, with stakeholders stressing the need to rebuild public confidence in the justice system.
The call was made on Saturday at a symposium in Makurdi organised to mark the commencement of the new legal year.
Held at Sese Park and Event Centre, the symposium focused on the theme, “The Nigerian Judiciary at Crossroads: Innovation, Accountability and Public Trust.”
The Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, said the new legal year provided an opportunity for the judiciary to confront institutional challenges affecting effective justice delivery.
He said addressing the challenges was necessary to strengthen the justice system and ensure that the judiciary continued to meet citizens’ expectations.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Timothy Ornguga, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to judicial independence and reforms.
“This administration remains committed to judicial independence and reforms that will strengthen the justice system and improve the administration of justice,” he said.
Ornguga, who delivered the governor’s keynote address, said the state government would continue to support measures aimed at strengthening the judiciary and improving justice administration.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Makurdi Branch, Joseph Gbagyor, also pledged continued cooperation between the Bar and the Bench.
Gbagyor, who spoke on behalf of the NBA branches in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo, stressed the importance of sustained synergy between legal practitioners and judicial officers in advancing justice administration.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Justice Maimuna Ikwulono, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of the symposium to the new legal year.
A panel session chaired by retired Justice A.P.B. Utsaha examined practical measures for restoring public confidence through excellence and institutional reforms.
The discussion considered reforms and other measures for improving the effectiveness of the justice system, while an interactive question-and-answer session allowed judicial officers, lawyers and other stakeholders to discuss challenges facing the judiciary and its future direction.