Ekiti Assembly passes Economic Crimes Commission Bill

A bill, Ekiti State Economic Crimes Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2018 has successfully passed the second reading at the Ekiti State House of Assembly with the bill committed to the Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Anti Corruption for further legislative action.

Presenting the bill to other members of the Assembly at plenary in Ado Ekiti, the Leader of Business, Hon. Olatunji Akinyele said the bill seeks to curb corruption, embezzlement, fraud, abandoned projects among others in the state.

Members of the Assembly that included the Chairman House Committee on Information, Hon.(Dr) Samuel Omotoso, Hon. Jeje Samuel, Hon Akinleye Ekundayo and Hon. Titilayo Owolabi – Akerele canvassed for a speedy passage of the bill.

They said the bill will halt diversion of funds and eradicate all form of economic crimes in Ekiti State when operational.

Dr Omotoso said the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) clearly states the functions of state Assemblies on state finances and condemned the incessant harassment state officials by the Economic and Finance Crime Commission (EFCC) across the nation.

He recalled that a recent judgement by a competent Court in Ado Ekiti has called the EFCC to order.

Hon Titilayo remarked that the eventual passage of the bill will check activities of internet fraudsters called “Yahoo Yahoo” across Ekiti state.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon (Pastor) Kola Oluwawole described the bill as timely and stressed that it will lay a solid foundation as well as improve good governance in Ekiti state.

Pastor Oluwawole, who stressed that the bill will assist government to improve on the dividend of democracy to the people, charged the joint committees and other members of the Assembly to work towards achieving a speedy passage of the bill.

Pastor Oluwawole commended the state governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose for introducing the bill, noting that only a transparent leader can enact such.

Also, a bill to provide for the appointment of person to the office of Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary and other matters connected therewith, 2018 passed the first reading.