Rita Odafe
Governor Hyacinth Alia
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Hyacinth Alia, has decided to suspend Fidelis Mnyim, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, due to his participation in a legal action questioning the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
This suspension follows Mnyim’s decision to join a coalition of 19 states in disputing the legality of the anti-corruption entities. Their case challenges the constitutionality of the laws establishing the EFCC.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court conducted hearings on the matter but postponed its verdict. The states involved in this challenge include Kogi, Katsina, Sokoto, Enugu, Oyo, and Benue. They argue that the EFCC Establishment Act from 2004 did not adhere to Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates proper legislative processes to adopt international treaties like the UN Convention against Corruption.
While states like Imo and Bauchi have joined as co-plaintiffs in this effort, others such as Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa have pulled out of the lawsuit. Additionally, Osun State is seeking to merge this case with another.
The court is anticipated to announce its decision date to all involved parties soon.
