The Governor of Benue State has suspended the Attorney General following his public challenge of the EFCC’s legality. The suspension underscores the tension between state and federal authorities over anti-corruption efforts.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has suspended Fidelis Mnyim, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order.
The justice commissioner was suspended for participating in states’ efforts to challenge the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court reserved its decision on a lawsuit brought by 19 states questioning the constitutionality of the laws that established the EFCC.
Imo and Bauchi States joined the lawsuit as co-plaintiffs, whereas Osun State requested to consolidate the case. Meanwhile, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa States decided to withdraw their cases.
The states still involved in the suit include Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Oyo, Benue, Plateau; Cross River; Ondo; Niger; Edo; Bauchi: Imo: Osun Nasarawa Ogun and Taraba.
The states contended that the EFCC Establishment Act was derived from the UN Convention against Corruption. They further claimed that when this law was enacted in 2004, Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution had not been adhered to.
They contended that, to incorporate a convention into Nigerian law, compliance with the provisions of Section 12 is necessary.
The court will inform all parties of the judgment date.
