In a significant turn of events, another state has withdrawn from the lawsuit seeking to declare the EFCC illegal. Find out what this means for the anti-corruption agency and the remaining legal battle.
The Benue State government has officially requested to withdraw from a lawsuit aiming to have the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared illegal.
Kogi State originally filed the lawsuit to challenge the legality of the EFCC’s activities.
On Wednesday, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia ordered the indefinite suspension of Chief Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. This decision was made because he unilaterally added Benue State as a plaintiff in a lawsuit without proper consultation.
Governor Alia expressed his dissatisfaction by highlighting the importance of both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), which might be impacted by this case, as essential anti-corruption agencies aiding Benue State in recovering stolen funds.
No appointee is allowed to act alone. Regardless of how urgent the issue may be, it is essential to consult with me or provide a detailed briefing and obtain my permission before taking any action, particularly in sensitive matters like this one.
My administration is committed to holding accountable those who have embezzled funds and depleted our state’s resources. We are receiving assistance from the EFCC and ICPC in this effort.
READ ALSO: Benue Gov Suspends Attorney General for Questioning EFCC’s Legality
The governor expressed in a statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula: “How am I supposed to challenge these watchdogs now? He did not have authorization from me to represent the state. Due to him acting independently, I am suspending him indefinitely until he provides an acceptable explanation for his actions.”
It was learned that prior to his suspension becoming public, the suspended AG had swiftly requested Benue State’s removal from the list of 18 states named as plaintiffs in the case.
In his notice of discontinuance dated October 23, it stated: “Please be informed that the Attorney-General of Benue State, serving as the eighth plaintiff, is hereby withdrawing this suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation, who is named as the defendant.”
Recall that three other states—Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi—also announced their decisions to withdraw from the case when it was brought before the Supreme Court for a hearing on Wednesday.
Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, the Attorney General of Anambra State, informed the supreme court that Anambra wished to withdraw from the case initially filed by Kogi State.
She revealed that the state’s notice of withdrawal was dated October 20.
