From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Benue Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim has frowned at corruption accusations made against his office, noting that they are spurious claims.
Mnyim asserted this position in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Jacob Iormbagah, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.
According him, he would not be distracted by the unprofessional conduct of the publisher of the Nigerian Concord Newspaper because he is very focused on his job.
The statement further challenged the publisher to publish all corruption activities in the ministry or shut up.
He said the commissioner would never be distracted by the activities of the local publisher and advised him to turn a new leaf.
The statement stated that under the leadership of the Commissioner, the justice ministry has implemented several legal reforms to improve the administration of justice in the State.
He also mentioned that through advocacy for public interest and social justice, the ministry has successfully facilitated the return of Benue girls trafficked to neighbouring countries.
He explained that over the past two years in office, the ministry has undergone significant structural innovations and sponsored various laws aimed at benefiting the people of the state.
Reacting to allegations of incompetence and corruption made by Nigerian Concord Newspaper, Mnyim stated that his ministry has played a pivotal role in the return of trafficked Benue girls from Edo State and Ivory Coast.
Mnyim said the ministry has revived the State’s Human Trafficking Taskforce and spearheaded the establishment of the State Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining activities.
“Under Chief Mnyim’s stewardship, the Ministry has witnessed unprecedented structural innovations, including: Creation of the Directorates of Appeals, Judgment Debts Management, and Legal Services in MDAs; Establishment of the Public Order Directorate and Operation “Save the Benue Child” Initiative, which are pioneering interventions in Civil order and Child rights.
“He has also sponsored the passage of 10 landmark laws, including the Benue State Persons with Disability Law, Public Procurement (Amendment) Law, State Electricity Law, and the Benue State Electoral Amendment Law, among others.
“Through advocacy of public interest and social justice, the AG has facilitated the return of trafficked Benue girls from Edo and Ivory Coast, revived the State’s Human Trafficking Taskforce, and championed the establishment of the State Mining Marshals to curb illegal mining”, the statement stated.
The Commissioner maintained that the above initiatives prove his commitment to the protection of the vulnerable and submitted that he has consistently maintained visibility and professional integrity in the discharge of his duty.
