By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)/Media Accountability and Anticorruption Initiative (CMAAI), a coalition of promoters of fiscal responsibility and accountability, has advocated for establishment of Anticorruption commission and domestication of other relevant laws in Anambra State.
The Team Lead, CMAAI, Ugochi Freeman, who made the appeal when the group paid a courtesy visit to the office of Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Awka, said the commission would assist the State government to fight corruption in public offices.
According to Freeman, the group also want the State government to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act, review and passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Law, including establishment of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and enforcement.
"We are advocating for the creation of Anambra State Anti-Corruption Commission to fight corruption in public offices, advocating for the domestication of Freedom of Information Law, for effective implementation of Anti corruption laws in the state like the Public Procurement law, State Audit law and others to enhancing fiscal transparency and anti-corruption in Anambra State.
"By supporting these initiatives, you demonstrate your commitment to prudent financial management, transparency and good governance. We commend your efforts in promoting transparency and accountability in the justice sector, particularly in the area of public finance management. Together, we can build a prosperous, livable, and accountable Anambra State," she added.
Responding, the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Sylvia C. Ifemeje, assured that Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration was committed to promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Ifemeje, who explained that the executive through the ministry was working towards ensuring that all the relevant laws were enacted and assented to, further noted that the State legislative arm was proactive and complying with the governor's vision of promoting transparency.
She also expressed confidence that the governor would sign the FOI bill into law if sponsored by the legislature, adding that all the relevant laws and commissions would equally be provided for by the Chief Executive.