In a very unusual twist of events, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has suspended the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim.
According to reports, the justice commissioner was suspended for joining states contesting the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Recall that on Tuesday, the Supreme Court reserved judgement in a suit filed by 19 states challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the EFCC, which according to many observers had strong undertones of the several state governors.
The suit, which was initiated by two states—Imo and Bauchi—as co-plaintiffs, Osun State sought a consolidation of the suit, while three states—Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa—withdrew their suits.
The 19 states still in the suit are Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Oyo, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo, Bauchi, Imo, Osun, Nasarawa, Ogun, and Taraba.
The states questioned that the EFCC Establishment Act was a reduction of the UN Convention against Corruption and that Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution was not adhered to when this law was passed in 2004.
The joint argument was that the provision of Section 12 must be complied with in bringing a convention into the Nigerian law. Many citizens have, however, raised eyebrows over the decision of the states alleging personal vendetta against the anti-corrupt practices institution.
As the drama unfolds, the court intends to communicate a date for judgement to all parties.
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