The move to ban the use of motorcycles in Sankera areas of Benue state has suffered setbacks.
This is because the Court of Appeal in Makurdi, the Benue state capital has nullified the ban on the use of motorcycles in the areas.
The dismissed appeal was filed by the state governor, Samuel Ortom, against the judgement of the Benue State High Court which had earlier nullified the ban on the use of motorcycles.
It would be recalled that the governor had on 29/12/2020 banned motorcycles in Sankera on grounds of insecurity without resorting to the Benue State House of Assembly to enact a law to authorise his actions.
Following the ban, the people approached the Court, contending that the ban was unconstitutional and illegal.
The Court in its ruling agreed with their submission which led to nullification of the ban, the situation compelled the governor to Appeal the ruling which he again lost woefully.
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In their rulings, all the Justices unanimously agreed that the governor’s decision does not deserve to see the lights of the day.
Buttressing their unanimous rulings, the court held that without any law enacted by the Benue State House of Assembly, the Governor had no teeth to bite by banning the use of motorcycles anywhere in Benue State, including any part of Sankera, no matter the reason for the ban.
The Court held that the counsel’s fundamental rights to freedom of movement and those of the people of Sankera have been infringed by the Governor and proceeded to award damages on that behalf, including the costs of the suit.
Elated by the ruling some persons from the areas who bared their minds to The Trumpet, wondered why the governor would want to ban the use of motorcycles which according to them, are part of their source of livelihood.
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