The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance in the state.
Emeruwa made this known yesterday while participating in a legislative retreat on the Abia State Anti-Corruption Bill 2025, alongside other members of the State House of Assembly.
The retreat, held at Rezos Continental Resort, Umuahia, was supported by the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC II).
The event provided a platform for lawmakers and key stakeholders to examine the proposed legislation, review its provisions and identify areas requiring improvement towards strengthening the legal framework for combating corruption and promoting accountability in Abia State.
Speaking at the retreat, the Speaker said lawmakers had a responsibility to enact laws that would improve the lives of the people, stressing that public office must be regarded as a position of trust and responsibility.
He reiterated his commitment to supporting legislative initiatives that promote integrity, transparency, accountability and sustainable development, noting that building a responsive and responsible government requires not only strong laws but also effective institutions and the political will to enforce them.
A major provision of the proposed bill is the establishment of the Abia State Anti-Corruption Agency, which is expected to investigate administrative malpractice, abuse of office by public officials, corruption and financial crimes.
The proposed agency will also have responsibilities relating to investigations into unexplained wealth and properties belonging to public servants, in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The bill is expected to strengthen accountability in public service, curb the misuse of public resources, enhance transparency in government operations and boost public confidence in the state’s governance system.
The legislative retreat forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Abia State’s institutional and legal framework for promoting accountability and tackling corruption.
