It shall be the duty of the governor, whenever, in his judgment, the interest of the state would be promoted thereby, to direct the attorney general, in the name of the state, to bring and prosecute any suit or suits upon any official bond or bonds executed to the state, as to him may seem proper; and to that end the governor is hereby authorized to inspect the books, minutes, papers and vouchers, or direct the same to be done by the attorney general, in any of the state offices of this state; and he may require any such officer to certify to him copies of any such books, papers, minutes and vouchers as he may deem necessary to a complete understanding of the affairs and management of such office. It shall be the duty of the attorney general, whenever so directed by the governor, to bring and prosecute in behalf of the state any and all such suits.