The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a bill establishing the Enugu State Anti-Corruption and Transparency Commission, in a move aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption within the state.
The bill, known as House Bill No. 5, was passed during Tuesday’s plenary and was sponsored by the Leader of the Assembly, Chief Iloabuchi Aniagu (PDP, Nkanu West).
Describing the bill as “timely and apt,” Aniagu noted that it would help curb corruption not just among public office holders but also within corporate organisations and among individuals.
“Although the EFCC and other agencies are fighting corruption, yet the state-owned anti-corruption commission would be more committed in fighting corruption in the state,” he said.
“This commission will investigate all financial crimes involving individuals and government agencies. Enugu State having its own anti-corruption agency is a good thing for the state.”
Ms. Obiajulu Ugwu, who represents Enugu South Rural Constituency, stressed the need for transparency and accountability by members of the commission once inaugurated.
“There should be a periodic declaration of assets and liability for accountability,” Ugwu said.
Also contributing, Mr. Williams Amuka (Igbo-Etiti West) said the commission would bridge the gap in reporting corrupt practices, which many citizens often find difficult to take to the EFCC.
“So many corrupt practices are going on in the state but they are not reported to the EFCC, and because they are not reported, actions are hardly taken,” he said.
“Establishing the agency will reduce, to the barest minimum, any form of crime and criminality.”
Mr. Okey Mbah, representing Nkanu East, added that the commission would serve as a wake-up call to public officials.
“It will ensure that monies are spent judiciously for the purpose they were meant for,” Mbah said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all members who contributed to the debate supported the bill and voted in favour of its passage.
