Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has suspended the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Fidelis Mnyim, for joining a legal challenge against the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without the governor’s consent.
Mnyim had joined 19 states in a Supreme Court case questioning the legality of both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The states argue that the EFCC’s establishment violated Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution, as it was based on a UN anti-corruption convention that wasn’t properly integrated into national law.
Governor Alia, reportedly unaware of Benue’s involvement in the case, acted swiftly by suspending Mnyim for failing to inform him of the state’s participation. The governor’s spokesperson, Kula Tersoo, confirmed the suspension, citing Mnyim’s unauthorized action as the reason.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has reserved judgment on the case, with three states—Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa—having withdrawn from the lawsuit. The court is expected to announce a date for its ruling soon.
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