Governor Alia Suspends Benue Attorney General For Challenging EFCC, ICPC’s Legality

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday, suspended the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim.

The suspension follows Mnyim’s involvement in a coalition of states legally challenging the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Naija News reported that the Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved judgment on the suit filed by 19 states of the federation.

However, three out of the nineteen states challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were reportedly withdrawn from the suit.

The three states are; Anambra (9th plaintiff), Adamawa (16th plaintiff), and Ebonyi (18th plaintiff), separately submitted applications for withdrawal before the Court.

The Attorney General of Anambra State, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, informed the court that she wishes to withdraw from the suit, having filed a motion for withdrawal on October 20.

Similarly, the Attorney General of Ebonyi State, Ikenna Nwidagu, stated, “My Lord, I filed a notice of withdrawal dated and filed on October 21. My Lords, we pray this honourable Court strikes out the name of the 18th plaintiff.”

However, Alia, who was taken aback that the state joined other states to challenge the legality of the anti-corruption agency, was said to have ordered the suspension of the attorney general.

Alia announced the indefinite suspension of Mnyim during a press conference in Makurdi, capital of Benue.

He said, “No matter how pressing or urgent the issue is, one must resort to due consultations with me or appropriately brief me and seek my permission before acting, especially in a sensitive matter such as this.

“My administration is holding accountable those who embezzled money and drained our state dry. The EFCC and ICPC are assisting us in this effort.

“How can I now turn around and begin to challenge these watchdogs? I gave no permission for him to enter an appearance for the state.

“Because he acted on his own, I hereby suspend him indefinitely pending a satisfactory explanation of his actions.”