By Kolawole Ojebisi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday, suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mynin.
The commissioner was suspended for joining the suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC)without informing his principal.
According to reports the governor frowned at the unilateral decision taken by the Attorney General.
The Apex Court had on Tuesday reserved judgment on the suit filed by 19 states of the federation.
However, three out of the nineteen states challenging the constitutionality of the laws that established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were reported to have withdrawn from the suit.
The three states, according to the report are; Anambra (9th plaintiff), Adamawa (16th plaintiff), and Ebonyi (18th plaintiff) separately submitted applications for withdrawal before the Court.
The Attorney General of Anambra State, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, informed the court that she wishes to withdraw from the suit, having filed a motion for withdrawal on October 20.
Prior to the date fixed for the Apex Court ruling , some governors had expressed their reservations about the suit.
Governor Umar Fintiri of Adamawa said he wasn’t against the establishment of the anti-graft commission but some of its interventions should be regulated.
Fintiri had added that he would review the suit with his attorney general.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara in his own case did not join the suit. He said he had nothing to fear as his administration has been executing the business of governance with utmost tramspency.
However, Alia, who was taken aback that the state joined other states to challenge the legality of the anti-corruption agency, was said to have ordered the suspension of the attorney general.
The governor’s spokesperson, Kula Tersoo,confirmed the development He said: “It’s true, His Excellency today suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order for joining the suit challenging the legality of EFCC without informing the governor.”
