Benue Governor lifts suspension on attorney general after withdrawal from anti-graft suit

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has lifted the suspension on Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, effective immediately.

This decision was announced on Monday during a state executive council meeting in Makurdi, which Governor Alia presided over.

The Attorney General was initially suspended on October 23 for what the government described as a “unilateral decision” to include Benue State in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Speaking to newsmen after the council meeting, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, confirmed Mnyim’s reinstatement, attributing it to his compliance with the conditions set by the government.

The Attorney General was recalled after he formally withdrew Benue from the list of states challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the EFCC and ICPC.

Speaking on other things the council approved, he said, “The council approved a counterpart funding of N30.2bn, representing 60 per cent, for the construction of five rural roads across the three senatorial zones.

“The roads for construction are Awajir/Oju, Adikpo/Kotiyo/Vandeikya, Ushongo/Har, Igwumale/Agila, and Obagaji/Okokolo/Agagbe roads.

“The sum of N567 million was approved as compensation for members of the Mbagwa and Mbawa communities of Makurdi Local Government for their lands earmarked for the federal housing estate project.

“The council also resolved to domesticate the Disability Act in the state for persons with disabilities as well as approve a donation of N10 million to the Nigerian Legion for this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

“The council approved the establishment of the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency to regulate signposts, billboards, and other advertisement activities.”