The Vanguard for Credible Representation (VCR) has applauded the Governor of Benue State, Revd. Father Hyacinth Alia, and his administration for distancing themselves from a lawsuit filed by the Kogi State Government and 14 other states against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The suit, initiated at the Supreme Court, aimed to challenge the legality of the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other federal agencies. Recently, three states—Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi—withdrew from the controversial suit when it was brought before the court on Tuesday.
In a significant development, Governor Alia suspended the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bemsen Mnyim, for allegedly acting “unilaterally” in joining the suit without proper approval. This action followed the announcement by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, who stated that Zamfara was neither aware of nor involved in the lawsuit against the EFCC.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, VCR’s Head of Mission, Onche Ugbabe, expressed satisfaction that certain state governors were withdrawing from the lawsuit and supporting the anti-corruption fight. The statement highlighted, “It is heartwarming that Governors Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal have publicly dissociated themselves from the suspicious move orchestrated by some state governments. We also commend the governments of Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi states for heeding the voice of reason and withdrawing from the suit.”
The group also acknowledged the contributions of esteemed legal professionals, including Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Kayode Oladele, who have criticized the lawsuit and its proponents. VCR stated, “It is highly gratifying that erudite lawyers like Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Hon. Kayode Oladele have publicly condemned the unpopular move, citing a plethora of judicial decisions of the Supreme Court on the legality of the anti-corruption agencies.”
The VCR reiterated the need for support in the fight against corruption, urging individuals and institutions to avoid actions that may undermine this important struggle. The recent legal challenges against the EFCC are believed to be linked to its investigations into politically exposed persons, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Kogi State initiated the case at the Supreme Court, which has since involved several other states