The Benue State Government 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.
It says the order is in pursuant of 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.
The Executive public order was unveiled by the Deputy Governor of the State Sam Ode on behalf of the State Government.
A futher breakdown of the public order places a 10 pm to 5 am restriction on movement, ban on indiscriminate waste disposal and other traffic offences.
Other crimes include farming on empty plots in the urban centres,illegal collection of levies from land developers,holding wakes or rallies beyond 10 pm except with a permit issued by the department of public order.
All acts carried out in violation of public morality or decency such as strip dancing or stripping as well as all forms of prostitution in public places or commercial sex hawking is also prohibited henceforth.
The declaration was witnessed by the Chief Judge of the State, President customary court of appeal, top Government functionaries, traditional leaders,journalists, civil society organisations the military as well as para military.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma

