REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
A bill seeking to establish the Anambra State Public Complaints , Financial Crimes and Anti Corruption Commission Law 2026 has been passed by the state House of Assembly.
The Executive bill had passes through first and was referred to the Committee on Public Accounts by the Speaker Mr Somtochukwu Udeze during plenary.
The House resolved to the Committee on the whole where the bill received intense corrections and legislative battering before it passed through the second reading and subsequent passage.
According to the Majority leader of the House, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, the Commission will be empowered to receive and investigate any allegation of corrupt practices against any public servant and refer the matter to the Attorney-General of the State for necessary action.
The Commission will also investigate and refer to the Attorney-General any allegation of improper or non-performance of any Government contract for necessary action as well as make general policies for the appointments, promotions, and discipline of its staff.
When assented to by the Governor, the passed bill will be responsible for the coordination and enforcement of all anti-corruption and financial crime laws and enforcement functions conferred on any other persons or authority with regards to the finances and assets of the State Government.
The Anambra State Anti- Corruption Commission can also freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds derived from acts of corruption and financial crime related offences or properties, the value of which corresponds to such proceeds provided that the Commission shall obtain a court order.
(g) facilitation of exchange of information, both scientific and technical and the conduct of joint operations geared towards eradication of corrupt practices.
Radio Nigeria correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the law makers expressed the hope that the bill when assented to by Governor Chukwuma Soludo will be carrying out and sustaining enlightenment campaigns against acts of corruption and financial malpractices in the state.
