Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has taken swift action against the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Bemsen Mnyim, suspending him indefinitely.
The decision, announced during a press conference at Government House in Makurdi, followed what the governor described as an unauthorized move by the Attorney General. Barrister Mnyim had joined the state in a lawsuit challenging the authority of Nigeria’s two major anti-corruption bodies: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
Governor Alia explained that this action was taken without his knowledge or approval.
“No appointee is permitted to act unilaterally,” the governor emphasized. “No matter how pressing or urgent an issue is, due consultations must be made with me or my office. Permission must be sought before acting, especially on sensitive matters like this.”
The suspension came after the Benue State Executive Council held a meeting, during which the governor was briefed on the actions of the Attorney General. Governor Alia expressed his shock and displeasure at the fact that Barrister Mnyim had challenged agencies with whom the state was actively collaborating in its fight against corruption.
Governor Alia, a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability, has made the fight against corruption a central part of his administration’s agenda since assuming office. The state has been working closely with the EFCC and ICPC to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption involving former officials and public servants accused of mismanaging the state’s resources.
“My administration is committed to holding accountable those who have embezzled funds and drained our state dry,” the governor said. “The EFCC and ICPC are assisting us in this effort. How can I now turn around and begin to challenge these watchdogs?”
It was this question that underscored the gravity of the Attorney General’s actions. According to the governor, Barrister Mnyim’s decision to file a suit against the two anti-graft agencies directly undermined the government’s ongoing efforts to recover stolen state funds.
The lawsuit, which questions the legality and authority of the EFCC and ICPC, reportedly took state officials by surprise, especially given that the administration had been benefiting from the agencies’ investigative work.
Governor Alia noted that he had not been briefed on the matter prior to the Attorney General’s involvement in the case. He stressed that no individual in his government has the authority to act on their own without first consulting with him, particularly in matters as delicate as a lawsuit against the country’s top anti-corruption bodies.
As a result of Barrister Mnyim’s unilateral actions, Governor Alia announced his indefinite suspension from office. The governor indicated that the Attorney General would remain suspended until a full investigation into his actions is carried out.
“I gave no permission for him to enter an appearance for the state,” the governor clarified. “Because he acted on his own, I hereby suspend him indefinitely pending a satisfactory explanation of his actions.”