By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has suspended the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Bemsen Mnyim, indefinitely over alleged insubordination. The suspension comes after Mnyim reportedly entered an appearance for the state in a legal suit challenging the authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) without the governor’s approval.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the directive was made during a press conference at the Government House in Makurdi, shortly after a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.
Governor Alia expressed his frustration over the situation, explaining that Mnyim’s decision to involve the state in a legal challenge against the EFCC and ICPC was done without proper consultation. The governor emphasized that no appointee is permitted to act independently, especially on critical matters concerning the state’s partnership with anti-corruption agencies.
“No appointee is permitted to act unilaterally,” Governor Alia stated. “No matter how pressing or urgent the issue is, one must consult with me or appropriately brief me, especially in sensitive matters such as this. My administration is committed to holding accountable those who have embezzled funds and drained our state resources, and the EFCC and ICPC are assisting us in these efforts. How can I now turn around and challenge these watchdogs?”
The governor further clarified that he had not given permission for the Attorney General to represent the state in the lawsuit, and as a result, he had no choice but to take disciplinary action. “I hereby suspend him indefinitely pending a satisfactory explanation of his actions,” Alia declared.
