Benue Governor, Alia had earlier suspended his Attorney General for joining the states in the suit without his consent
By Kehinde Okeowo
Benue State has joined the list of states that have withdrawn from the suit challenging the constitutionality of the laws that established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The decision to discontinue the case was contained in an application dated October 23 and signed by Mr. Fidelis Mnyim for the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order of the state.
It read, “Take notice that the Attorney General of Benue State, who is the 8th plaintiff, hereby discontinues this suit against the Attorney General of the Federation, the defendant.”
With the development, Benue State becomes the fourth state to withdraw from the suit.
On Tuesday, October 22, during the hearing of the suit, three states—Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa— informed an open court of their decision to no longer continue with the suit that is currently before the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday, suspended his Attorney General indefinitely for joining the states in the suit without his consent.
“The suspension was necessitated by Mnyim’s ultra vires decision to join the state in a suit challenging the legality of anti-graft agencies, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.
“No appointee is permitted to act unilaterally. 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.
“My administration is holding accountable those who embezzled money and drained our state dry. The EFCC and ICPC are assisting us in this effort,” the governor said.
