… Stakeholders urge swift assent of the bill
Civil society organisations and media stakeholders under the aegis of the CSOs/Media Accountability and Anti-corruption Initiative (CMAAI) have commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for passing the Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission Bill.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the stakeholders described it as a landmark step toward strengthening accountability in the state.
In a statement signed by the Co-ordinator of CMAAI, Ugochi Freeman, and the Deputy Co-ordinator, Alfred Ajayi, the group said the passage of the bill marked the culmination of sustained advocacy efforts aimed at establishing a credible institutional framework to combat corruption and address public grievances in Anambra State.
The proposed legislation, when signed into law by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, will establish a state agency empowered to prosecute financial crimes, investigate corrupt practices, and address complaints of administrative injustice.
According to CMAAI, the commission will serve as a critical mechanism for promoting transparency, enhancing public trust in governance, and ensuring that public officials are held accountable.
The group praised the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and members of the Assembly for demonstrating commitment to good governance through the eventual passage of the bill after years of advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
“We commend the Speaker and the entire House of Assembly for their steadfastness and dedication to the public good,” the statement read, noting that the bill’s passage reflects a growing institutional resolve to confront corruption at the sub-national level.
CMAAI also singled out the House Committee on Finance, led by Sir Ejike Okechukwu, and the Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Hon. Noble Igwe, for their diligence in scrutinising the bill.
The group noted that the careful review process helped strengthen the provisions of the legislation and ensured that it aligns with best practices in accountability and financial oversight.
Beyond the legislature, the initiative acknowledged the role of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, which supported the Anti-corruption Steering Committee from the drafting stage through to the bill’s passage.
According to the statement, RoLAC’s technical and institutional backing was instrumental in sustaining the reform process.
The contributions of CMAAI members — comprising both civil society organisations and media practitioners — were also highlighted.
The group noted that its members sustained advocacy, public engagement, and policy dialogue over an extended period, ensuring that the bill remained on the legislative agenda until its successful passage.
When assented to, the law is expected to deliver multiple benefits to the state. In addition to strengthening transparency and accountability in governance, it will provide citizens with a formal platform to lodge complaints against administrative injustice and abuse of office.
CMAAI further noted that the commission would empower Anambra State to directly recover assets acquired through corrupt practices, thereby improving public resource management and fostering a more conducive environment for investment and ease of doing business.
With the passage of the bill, Anambra joins states such as Kano and Lagos in establishing sub-national anti-corruption agencies — a development the group described as setting the pace for other states to follow.
“We are delighted that Anambra State has taken this bold step and joined other progressive states in institutionalising anti-corruption mechanisms at the sub-national level,” the statement said.
While celebrating the milestone, CMAAI made a passionate appeal to Governor Soludo to expedite the assent process to enable the law to take effect without delay.
The group also stressed the importance of effective implementation once the bill becomes law, noting that strong institutions and political will are key to achieving the desired impact.
“Indeed, Nkea bu nke anyi,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the collective ownership of the reform and the shared responsibility to safeguard public resources for the benefit of all Anambra citizens.
