A bill to establish the Kogi State Anti-Corruption Agency has passed the second reading in the state House of Assembly.

The bill was sponsored by Suleiman Abdulrazak, a member representing Okene Constituency.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Mr Abdulrazak told the house that the bill, when passed into law, would assist the state government in combating corruption.

The sponsor, also the majority leader of the House, explained that the bill was not meant to compete with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) but to complement its efforts to combat corruption.

Contributing to the debate, Enefola Major, a member representing Igalamela/Odolu Constituency, said corruption was impeding the country’s economic development.

Mr Major said Nigerians should collectively rise and fight against corruption so that the country can move forward.

In his submissions, the speaker, Umar Yusuf, commended the bill’s sponsor, who he said was very important and well thought out.

Mr Yusuf said that when passed into law, it would greatly assist the lawmakers in carrying out their oversight functions.

“When passed into law, those of us who happen to be privileged in positions of approval will be very careful not to fall victim.

“Again, it is not to antagonise any federal body but to collaborate with them and make our society a better place,” he said.

The bill has been committed to the House Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters for thorough scrutiny.

(NAN)