Government of Akwa Ibom State has filed a N50 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The government says the lawsuit came as a reaction to the freezing of its account by the Federal Government agency for 72 hours, an act which it reported to have crippled both the economy and reputation of the state.

In a suit No: FHe/uy/cs/137/18 between the Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State as Claimant, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Attorney General of the Federal, Zenith Bank PLC, Skye Bank PLC and United Bank for Africa PLC as defendants, the Claimant queried;

“Whether the accounts of Akwa Ibom State Government held with banks or financial institutions fall within the financial crimes enforcement purview of section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Established) Act 2004”

“Whether the account of Akwa Ibom State Government with a bank or financial institution can be subjected to a freezing order pursuant to section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Established) Act 2004.”

The Attorney General, who described the EFCC’s denial of the freezing as a face-saving approach, said the state government has every evidence to prove that its accounts were frozen.

Again, reacting to a report conflicting the Agency’s claims above; of tracing about N11 billion to accounts owned by top lawyers in the country, the Attorney General said the state government had lawyers in its employ and owes them the obligation of payment. He, therefore, queried whether it was unlawful for lawyers who work for a state government to earn their legitimate pay.

He vowed that the state government will pursue the case to its logical conclusion, even to the apex court of legal jurisdiction.

•Excerpted from a Daily Independent report