The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the bill creating the Anambra State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission, marking a significant step in strengthening the state’s anti-graft framework.
The bill was approved on Thursday during plenary after lawmakers adopted amendments made at the Committee of the Whole. Majority Leader Ikenna Ofodeme moved the motion for its third reading, supported by Deputy Minority Leader Nobel Igwe.
Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the session, praised the committee’s efforts in refining the legislation. “The committee has demonstrated commendable diligence in fine-tuning this bill,” he said.
Udeze conducted a voice vote, and the lawmakers unanimously endorsed the bill.
He announced that the law would come into force on February 17.
According to him, the commission will be empowered to investigate financial crimes and corruption cases involving state government finances and assets.
“The commission will take over such investigations from any other agency within the state and assume full responsibility for corruption-related matters under its jurisdiction,” he explained.
He added that the commission must provide continuous updates to the state. “It is mandated to submit regular progress reports to both the Office of the Governor and the Anambra State House of Assembly,” Udeze stated.
The Speaker further assured that the law includes measures to protect citizens from wrongful administrative actions. “Special care will be taken to review any administrative act that seems contrary to established laws and regulations,” he added.
