The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill to establish the Anambra State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission, marking a major step in the state’s fight against corruption.
The bill was approved during Thursday’s plenary session after lawmakers adopted resolutions following amendments made at the Committee of the Whole stage.
The motion for the bill’s third reading was moved by the Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme, and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Nobel Igwe.
While presiding over the session, the Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, praised the joint committee for its thorough work in refining the legislation before its passage. He subsequently put the bill to a voice vote, which received unanimous approval from the lawmakers.
Udeze announced that the law will officially take effect on February 17.
According to him, the newly established commission will be empowered to investigate financial crimes and corruption-related matters involving the finances and assets of the Anambra State Government. The commission will also assume responsibility for such investigations from any other agency or authority within the state, consolidating all corruption-related cases under its jurisdiction.
The Speaker added that the commission is required to submit regular progress reports to both the Office of the Governor and the Anambra State House of Assembly.
He further emphasized that the law includes safeguards designed to protect residents and indigenes from injustice arising from administrative actions. Any administrative act suspected to violate existing laws and regulations will be carefully investigated.
