Mohammed Shosanya
The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has suspended from office, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim for unilaterally taking a decision to join the state in a suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The state government did not give details on the suit instituted by the Commissioner against the two agencies,in which he acted ultra vires.
The Governor said since the Commissioner took the decision which was beyond his scope of authority, without first resorting to the office of the governor, he (Alia) was compelled to ask Barr Mnyim to proceed on indefinite suspension pending when he would provide a satisfactory explanation as to why he took the decision without first resorting to him office.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Kula Tersoo,quoted the Governor as further arguing that the action of the Commissioner against the agencies ought not to have been confrontational since government saw them as partners who have been working with the state in its effort to bring to book some persons accused of milking the state.
Kula said:”The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has directed the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Bemsen Mnyim, to proceed on indefinite suspension.
“The Governor gave the directive at Government House during a press conference shortly after the Benue State Executive Council meeting earlier today (Wednesday)
“He stated that the suspension was necessitated by Barr. 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 (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
“No appointee is permitted to act unilaterally. No matter how pressing or urgent the issue is, one must resort to due consultations with me (Alia) 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 gave no permission for him to enter an appearance for the state (and) because he acted on his own, I hereby suspend him indefinitely pending a satisfactory explanation of his actions”.
