The CSOs/Media Accountability and Anti-corruption Initiative (CMAAI) has lauded the Anambra State House of Assembly for passing the Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission Bill, describing the development as a historic breakthrough in the state’s accountability journey.
In a statement jointly signed by the Co-ordinator, Ugochi Freeman, and the Deputy Co-ordinator, Alfred Ajayi, the group said the passage of the bill represents the outcome of sustained advocacy by civil society and media actors committed to strengthening governance systems in Anambra.
According to CMAAI, the proposed law — once signed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo — will establish a dedicated state commission empowered to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, address public complaints, and tackle cases of administrative injustice.
The initiative noted that the creation of the commission would institutionalise transparency and accountability at the sub-national level, ensuring that corrupt practices are confronted within the state’s own legal framework.
“The passage of this bill demonstrates the commitment of the Anambra State House of Assembly to good governance and institutional reforms,” the statement said.
The group commended the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and members of the Assembly for their perseverance in seeing the bill through legislative processes despite delays and prolonged advocacy efforts.
Special recognition was given to the House Committee on Finance, chaired by Sir Ejike Okechukwu, and the Committee on Public Accounts, led by Hon. Noble Igwe, for what CMAAI described as thorough scrutiny and diligence in reviewing the bill’s provisions before its final passage.
CMAAI also acknowledged the significant role played by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, which supported the Anti-corruption Steering Committee from the drafting stage to the final legislative approval.
The group noted that RoLAC’s technical assistance and institutional support were instrumental in ensuring that the bill met required standards.
The statement further highlighted the contributions of CMAAI members — drawn from civil society organisations and the media — who sustained public engagement, policy dialogue, and advocacy campaigns to keep the anti-corruption bill on the legislative agenda.
It noted that when the Governor assents to the bill, Anambra State will gain a powerful institutional tool to recover assets obtained through corrupt practices and strengthen financial discipline in public service.
Beyond prosecution, the proposed commission is expected to provide citizens with a formal platform to seek redress for administrative injustice and abuse of office, thereby deepening democratic accountability and citizen participation in governance.
CMAAI said the establishment of the commission would also enhance the state’s investment climate by promoting transparency, improving public confidence, and contributing to ease of doing business.
“With the bill’s passage, Anambra joins states such as Lagos and Kano that have already established sub-national anti-corruption agencies.”
The initiative described the development as positioning the state among reform-driven governments determined to strengthen public institutions.
While celebrating what it termed a “landmark legislative achievement,” CMAAI urged Governor Soludo to expedite assent to the bill to ensure that the reform momentum is sustained.
The group also stressed that beyond signing the bill into law, effective implementation, adequate funding, and institutional independence will be critical to the commission’s success.
Reaffirming collective ownership of the reform process, the statement concluded with the phrase: “Nkea bu nke anyi” — underscoring that the fight against corruption remains a shared responsibility of government and citizens alike.