The Imo House of Assembly has passed a bill to establish the Imo Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and anti-Corruption Commission and other related matters.

The Majority Leader, Kanayo Onyemaechi (APC Owerri), presented the 67 section bill at the plenary session and granted accelerated passage.

Mr Onyemaechi said the bill would help the government checkmate loopholes and restore sanity in the system by curbing corrupt practices.

Supporting the bill, Eddy Obinna (APC Aboh Mbaise) described it as a “welcome development” as it will enable the investigation of misappropriation of public funds and illegality in public office.

He added that this would promote due process and largely reduce corruption in governance.

Also supporting the bill, Uju Onwudiwe (APC Njaba), noted that it would promote conscientiousness in executing government contracts.

She further observed that the law’s passage would encourage prudent spending and end the era of abandoned projects by contractors.

Dominic Ezerioha (Oru West) likened the proposed commission to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), adding that it would checkmate the activities of public servants.

While commenting on the bill, the Speaker, Kennedy Ibe (APC, Obowo), expressed satisfaction with the bill, which he said would also provide for an investigation of people who lived above their means.

He directed the clerk, Chinelo Emeghara, to send the bill, which was considered at a committee of the whole house and passed to the governor for assent. 

(NAN)