Alia suspends Benue AG over suit challenging legality of EFCC

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, has suspended Bemsen Mnyim, his attorney-general, over a suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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

Sixteen states had approached the supreme court to challenge the operations of the EFCC.

The states contended that the anti-graft agency was not validly established in 2003 by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

The governor said 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 such as this,” he said.

“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.”

The supreme court has reserved judgment in the suit.