Benue State Governor Suspends Attorney General for Challenging Anti-Corruption Agency

In a surprise move, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mynin, for taking a bold stance against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commissioner’s decision to join 18 other states in challenging the constitutionality of the EFCC without informing the governor led to his suspension.

The EFCC, a key anti-corruption agency in Nigeria, has been at the center of a heated debate over its legitimacy. Nineteen states initially filed a suit challenging the laws that established the agency, but three states – Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi – have since withdrawn from the suit. Anambra State’s Attorney General, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, informed the court of her state’s decision to withdraw, citing a motion filed on October 20. Similarly, Ebonyi State’s Attorney General, Ikenna Nwidagu, submitted a notice of withdrawal on October 21.

However, Governor Alia was caught off guard by his state’s involvement in the suit and ordered the suspension of the attorney general. The governor’s spokesperson, Kula Tersoo, confirmed the suspension, stating that the attorney general failed to inform the governor before joining the suit against the EFCC.

This development raises questions about the relationship between the governor and his attorney general, as well as the implications for the ongoing suit against the EFCC. As the Apex Court reserves judgment on the suit, the suspension of the attorney general adds a new layer of complexity to the case.