Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Wednesday suspended the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, for joining a legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without the governor’s approval.

The suspension followed Mnyim’s involvement in a lawsuit questioning the legality of the EFCC, a move that Governor Alia said was taken without consulting him or securing proper authorization.

Reports indicate that the Supreme Court had on Tuesday reserved judgment on the suit filed by 19 states challenging the constitutionality of the EFCC. However, three of the states involved have since withdrawn from the case.

Confirming the development, the governor’s spokesperson, Tersoo Kula, stated: “It’s true that the governor today suspended the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for joining the suit challenging the legality of the EFCC without informing the governor.”

Governor Alia clarified that Benue was not part of the states challenging the EFCC, noting that the anti-graft agency has been instrumental in helping the state recover stolen resources. He expressed surprise that the attorney general would pursue a legal action against the EFCC, given the agency’s ongoing support in holding past administrations accountable for financial mismanagement.

“My administration is committed to recovering our stolen assets. The EFCC and ICPC are assisting us in this effort. How can I now turn around and challenge these agencies? I gave no authorization for him to act on behalf of the state, and since he acted unilaterally, he will remain on indefinite suspension until he provides a satisfactory explanation,” the governor said.

Governor Alia emphasized that his administration follows strict rules of conduct and warned that he will not tolerate actions that undermine the state’s interests. “We will not allow saboteurs within this government. Anyone who acts against the state will face serious consequences,” he added.