Governor Hyacinth Alia [/b]of Benue State has officially suspended Fidelis Mnyim, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order. This decision has sent shockwaves through the legal community and raised questions about the state’s stance on anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
The suspension stems from Mnyim's involvement in a legal challenge alongside 19 other states against the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The justice commissioner’s actions reflect a growing dissent regarding the effectiveness and constitutionality of these anti-corruption bodies, stirring public debate about their roles in combating corruption within the nation.
The recent developments have drawn attention to the Supreme Court, which, on Tuesday, reserved judgment in a suit filed by the 19 states challenging the constitutionality of the laws that established the EFCC. This legal action has significant implications for the future of anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria and highlights the complexities involved in the interaction between state and federal laws.
Among the states involved in the suit, two – Imo and Bauchi – have joined as co-plaintiffs, while Osun State has requested a consolidation of the suit. However, three states – Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa – have withdrawn their cases, indicating a divided stance among the states regarding the challenge to the EFCC's legality. The remaining 19 states participating in the suit include Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Oyo, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo, Bauchi, Imo, Osun, Nasarawa, Ogun, and Taraba.
These states have articulated their position by arguing that the United Nations Convention against Corruption was incorporated into the EFCC Establishment Act. They assert that the provisions of Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution were not adhered to when this law was enacted in 2004. Their argument emphasizes the need for compliance with constitutional requirements when integrating international conventions into national law.
As the legal proceedings continue, the court is expected to communicate a date for judgment to all parties involved, leaving the future of the EFCC and its role in Nigeria's fight against corruption hanging in the balance.