The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a bill to establish the Benue Public Complaint/Anti-Corruption Commission.

The bill was passed during plenary on Monday in Makurdi.

The Majority Leader, Mr Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), led the debate.

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

Also, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Mr Simon Gabo (APC/Mata), said that the committee had inserted a clause that the commission shall have directorates which would be 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, Mr Alfred Emberga, disclosed that the chairman of the commission shall hold office for a period of four years and may be reappointed for another four years only.

Emberga said that similarly, members of the commission shall hold office for a period of four years and may be reappointed for another four years 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-third majority of members of the state assembly.

He added that the commission may establish one or more branches in each political zone of the state to carry out its function under the law.

He 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, Dr Bem Mela, the speaker declared that the bill had been passed.