Benue withdraws from suit challenging EFCC legality

The Benue State Government has withdrawn from the suit challenging the constitutionality of the laws that established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) currently before the Supreme Court.

The withdrawal was contained in an application obtained by the newsmen on Friday in Makurdi.

The application was dated October 23 and signed by Mr Fidelis Mnyim for the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order.

Supreme News reports that the Supreme Court has reserved judgement on the suit that was initially instituted by 19 states.

“Take notice that the Attorney General of Benue State, who is the 8th plaintiff, hereby discontinues this suit against the Attorney General of the Federation, the defendant.” it reads.

Meanwhile, Gov. Hyacinth Alia had on Wednesday suspended the attorney general indefinitely for joining the state in the suit without his consent.

“The suspension was necessitated by Mnyim’s ultra vires decision to join the state in a suit challenging the legality of anti-graft agencies, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

“No appointee is permitted to act unilaterally. No matter how pressing or urgent the issue is, one must resort to due consultations with me or appropriately brief me and seek my permission before acting, especially in a sensitive matter such as this.

“My administration is holding accountable those who embezzled money and drained our state dry. The EFCC and ICPC are assisting us in this effort.

“How can I now turn around and begin to challenge these watchdogs? I did not permit him to enter an appearance for the state.

“Because he acted on his own, I hereby suspend him indefinitely pending a satisfactory explanation of his actions,” he said.