Benue State Attorney-General’s Suspension: Alia Reveals Reason

The Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has revealed the reason he suspended Fidelis Mnyim, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order of the State stating that no appointee is permitted to act unilaterally.

“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.

Mr Mnyim was suspended during a press conference at Government House on Wednesday, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting for his alleged decision to join a lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) without the governor’s permission.

Speaking further, Governor Alia emphasised that his administration relies on these agencies to hold accountable those responsible for embezzling the state funds.

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

“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,” Alia stated.

The Supreme Court had reserved judgment in a suit filed by 19 states challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the EFCC.