The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has enacted an executive order prohibiting several activities in the state.
This order, effective from February 28, 2024, was signed in accordance with section 14 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and section 10 of the Public Order Act (CAP 382) laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.
The executive order includes a wide range of prohibited activities:
Open Grazing: The order bans open grazing in the state.
Public Hygiene: Open defecation and urination are prohibited.
Traffic Regulations:
Driving against the normal flow of traffic.
Abandoning or parking vehicles on traffic lanes or driveways.
Overspeeding and overloading of vehicles.
Public Behavior:
Loitering during late hours (12:00 midnight to 5:00 AM) unless for emergencies or important matters.
Cross-usage of public lavatories by men and women.
Indiscriminate dumping of waste or garbage on road-dividers, gutters, and unauthorized places.
Throwing empty water sachets and polythene bags in public.
Excavation of roads or causing any obstruction on the road.
Urban Farming: Farming on empty unfenced plots, in front of premises, on streets, roadsides within urban areas, undeveloped government lands, or reserved areas is banned.
Construction Violations: Building across water channels or drainages, and constructing structures, kiosks, or shanties on the right of way is prohibited.
Street Vending: Hawking or selling goods by the roadside or on the road is banned.
Public Gatherings: Rallies, wakes, and other public gatherings beyond 10:00 PM require a permit from the Department of Public Order at the Ministry of Justice and Public Order.
Business Hours: All businesses must close by midnight unless they have a permit to operate beyond these hours.
Child Welfare:
No minor should be sent on errands or to hawk goods during school hours or beyond 6:00 PM.
Minors are prohibited from working as bartenders or in drinking joints.
Accommodation of minors in hotels or brothels without parental or guardian consent is forbidden.
Public Morality:
Prostitution and commercial sex hawking in public places are banned.
Indecent dressing and nudity in public are prohibited.
Strippers clubs or naked strip dancing are banned.
False information on social media and hate speech are prohibited.
Disrespect for elders and authorities is banned.
Violations of these provisions will result in punishment, which could be a fine ranging from N20,000 to N500,000 depending on the nature of the offense and the conduct of the offender. Failure to pay the fine may result in the impounding of property until the fine is paid or forfeiture of the property if the fine is not paid within 30 days. Offenders may also face custodial sentences ranging from one month to twelve months.
To enforce this order, the governor has established a task force, tribunals, committees, and other arbitration panels. These include:
Public Order Advisory Committee: Advises the government on public order and safety policies.
Public Order Committees: Established in each Local Government Area to collaborate with the Advisory Committee and other stakeholders in maintaining public order.
Public Order Taskforce: Operates throughout the state to enforce the provisions of the order.
Public Order Tribunals: Located in various parts of the state to complement the work of the committees and task force.
Magistrates, Area Court Judges, and Public Order Tribunals chaired by Justices of Peace will have the jurisdiction to try and convict offenders. The Public Order Advisory Committee will also have functions as outlined in the official guidelines to be published in the state Gazette.
