A bill seeking to establish the Anambra State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, 2026 has passed its first reading in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The executive bill was presented during plenary and read for the first time before being referred to the House Committee on Public Accounts by the Speaker, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze, for further legislative consideration.
According to the Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme, the proposed Commission will be empowered to receive and investigate allegations of corrupt practices against any public servant and to refer such matters to the Attorney-General of the State for necessary legal action.
He explained that the Commission will also be mandated to investigate cases of improper execution or non-performance of government contracts and refer such cases to the Attorney-General.
In addition, the Commission will be responsible for formulating general policies guiding the appointment, promotion, and discipline of its staff.
Mr. Ofodeme further noted that, upon assent by the Governor, the law will empower the Commission to coordinate and enforce all anti-corruption and financial crime laws in the state, including enforcement functions vested in other authorities concerning the finances and assets of the Anambra State Government.
The proposed law also grants the Commission powers to freeze, confiscate, or seize proceeds derived from acts of corruption and financial crime-related offences, as well as properties whose value corresponds to such proceeds, subject to the issuance of a court order.
Other provisions of the bill include the facilitation of information exchange,both scientific and technical and the conduct of joint operations aimed at eradicating corrupt practices in the state.
Lawmakers expressed optimism that the bill, when eventually assented to by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, will strengthen anti-corruption efforts through sustained public enlightenment campaigns against corruption and financial malpractices in Anambra State.
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