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States’ anti-corruption law a progressive step, lawyers, civil society speak
Some lawyers and civil society activists have commended states, including Lagos, that have passed laws to fight corruption.
They believe that the recently passed laws would help foster transparency in government.
The Lagos State House of Assembly recently passed a bill titled: ‘Lagos State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law’, which has been assented to by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Some of those who spoke about the bill, also commended the state for being proactive noting that positive steps so far taken by successive governments in the state have succeeded in putting it above others in the federation.
They argued that the setting up of the anti-corruption law is not the exclusive preserve of the federal government since it is not an item on the exclusive or the concurrent lists in the constitution.
They also argued that since states have the powers to generate revenue and establish policies on taxation, they should also have the powers to regulate how the revenue generated are utilised for public good.
A Nigerian, Oyibo Sylvester, who made his comment on social media in reaction to the law, urged other states to emulate Lagos.
“Every state must have power to investigate financial fraud done by the present or past government, because such money belong to the state government. So if the money in question is stolen from the state treasury, this agency have (sic) the power to investigate,” he said.
A senior lawyer, who said he could not speak much on the law since he has not acquainted himself with its content, however, said the state should be commended for taking what he termed a bold step.
“Politicians are seen as greedy and shady. So, if Lagos decides to pass an anti-corruption law, then those who took part in the process should be commended.
“Moreover, the constitution does not bar states from fighting corruption. And if the clamour for true federalism is anything to go by, then laws like this must suffice,” he said.
Asked if it would not amount to duplicity since there are federal anti-corruption agencies, the lawyer, who would not want his name mentioned until he reads the new law, argued that the states make laws for the generation of revenues and as a result, they should be in the best positions to monitor how funds are utilised.
“There has been this argument among lawyers on the legality of federal anti-graft agencies probing corruption allegations in states which are supposed to independently generate and manage their resources.
Note that states have had to wrestle the federal government to return monies recovered from corrupt people to them (the states). That shows the states have powers to recover stolen money,” he said.
Earlier speaking concerning the bill, Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was quoted as saying the constitution gives states the right to make such laws.
“The Lagos State law is valid,” Ozekhome said arguing that since the House of Assembly makes laws concerning taxation and related issues, it also has powers to protect diversion of funds.
Ozekhome added: “It follows that anyone who commits a crime concerning such charges, fees or taxes is subject to the House of Assembly and that amounts to what is called an economic crime.
It is therefore the House of Assembly that has the jurisdiction to deal with economic crime within its own jurisdiction, not the Federal Government through the National Assembly like a principal controlling its pupils.
“Therefore, the law made by the Lagos Assembly regarding financial crimes is a valid law in line with Section 4 of the constitution and the Second Schedule Part 1 and 2 of the exclusive and concurrent legislative list.
“If the EFCC wants to enforce its act, it should go to other states except Lagos because Lagos now has its own law. It is the same way the Federal High Court has rules guiding it.”
In a statement by the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, its director, Debo Adeniran, commended the state government over the law.
He said from the governor’s position, “we could see how the anti-corruption Commission would be the ‘brainbox’ or engine room of the state government in the fight against corruption in the state, especially as they relate to government and public officials and CACOL, as an anti-corruption group with its component organisations, would solidly lend its unalloyed support in this patriotic duty, as the entire world focus on the nation to overcome the destructive ogre of corruption within the shortest time possible.”
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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