The Benue State House of Assembly passed a bill to establish the Benue Public Complaint/Anti-Corruption Commission during plenary on Monday in Makurdi.

The majority leader, Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), led the debate.

Mr Dugeri pointed out that after gathering inputs during the bill’s public hearing, the Committee on Rules and Business had decided to couch the title to the Benue Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission for easier understanding.

The deputy majority chief whip, Simon Gabo (APC/Mata), said the committee had inserted a clause that the commission shall have directorates headed by directors, such as the directorate of citizens’ rights and the directorate of asset monitoring and recovery, among others.

During the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, the speaker, Alfred Emberga, disclosed that the chairman of the commission would hold office for a period of four years and may be reappointed for an additional four years.

Mr Emberga said that similarly, members of the commission would hold office for four years and may be reappointed for another four-year term only.

The speaker further stated that the chairman and any member of the commission may be removed by the governor, subject to confirmation by a two-thirds majority of members of the state assembly.

He added that the commission may establish one or more branches in each of the state’s political zones to carry out its functions under the law.

Mr Emberga stated that the chairman and members of the commission shall not carry out the duties of their offices until they declare their
assets and liabilities as prescribed in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

After the third reading was completed by the clerk, Bem Mela, the speaker declared that the bill had been passed.

(NAN)