Suspended Benue AG Not Working For Governor – Group

Benue Anti-Corruption Watch (BACW), a socio-political organisation, has accused suspended Benue State attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Mr. Bemsen Mnyim, of working with the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to undermine the administration of the state governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia.

Specifically, BACW alleged that Akume, a former governor of the state, who nominated the suspended commissioner for Governor Alia last year, was the one who encouraged Mnyim to join in the suit filed before the Supreme Court by some state governors praying for an order to  scrap the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

In a statement signed by its president, Barrister John Tion, the anti-corruption watch group maintained that Akume allegedly instructed Mnyim to join in the lawsuit aimed at scrapping the anti-graft agencies, contrary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy.

Barrister Tion expressed concern that Mnyim’s actions were orchestrated to create tension between Governor Alia and President Tinubu, similar to the crisis Akume allegedly instigated between former Governor Samuel Ortom and former President Muhammadu Buhari during his tenure as Minister for Special Duties.

The group wondered why a state commissioner for Justice would join a suit instituted by some governors to scrap Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies without informing his principal, Governor Alia.

The group questioned Mnyim’s decision to join the lawsuit without Governor Alia’s knowledge or authorization, saying it was clear that his loyalty lies with Senator Akume rather than the governor.

According to the group, Mnyim’s action clearly showed that he was working for the SGF to make the governor look as if he is attacking the anti-corruption crusade of the federal government under President Tinubu.

BACW applauded Governor Alia for suspending Mnyim and urged him to find a replacement immediately.