State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order Fidelis Mnyim was suspended by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday for joining the lawsuit contesting the legitimacy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, without notifying his principal.
The Apex Court had on Tuesday reserved judgement on the lawsuit brought by 19 states of the federation, but it was reported that three of those 19 states had withdrawn from the lawsuit contesting the constitutionality of the laws that created the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
According to the report, each of the three states—Adamawa (16th plaintiff), Ebonyi (18th plaintiff), and Anambra (9th plaintiff)—submitted a plea for withdrawal independently to the court.
Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, the Attorney General of Anambra State, submitted a motion for withdrawal on October 20 and told the court that she wanted to drop the lawsuit.
“My Lord, I filed a notice of withdrawal dated and filed on October 21,” said Ikenna Nwidagu, the Attorney General of Ebonyi State. My Lords, we ask that the name of the 18th plaintiff be struck out by this honourable court.
However, it was reported that Alia ordered the attorney general to be suspended because she was surprised that the state joined other states in contesting the legitimacy of the anti-corruption body.
“It’s true, His Excellency suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order today for joining the suit challenging the legality of EFCC without informing the governor,” Kula Tersoo, the governor’s spokesperson, said our correspondent, confirming the suspension.
