The much anticipated National Anti- Corruption Strategy (NACS) paper for 2008-2013 was yesterday laid before parliament by Hon Edward M. Turay, leader of the House and Government Business.
After drawing up the new Anti- Corruption strategy, the ACC boss Abdul Tejan Cole took the strategy to parliament. By procedures the leader of the house receives all bills and lays it before the house. It will then be taken care of by the legislative committee.
The Anti-Corruption strategy bill will be discussed at the pre-legislative committee headed by Hon Chernor Maju Bah (Chericoco) a lawyer.
Already, there is a notice out to the public and civil society groups to forward suggestions to the bill for which discussion will start on the 10th July at committee room No1.
At the pre-legislative committee, the purpose of the bill will be discussed and also clauses that are not favourable will be taken off. Inputs from the public as well as suggestions will be made. After the pre-legislative stage, the bill will be brought to the general house for debate where it will go through the first and second reading and then to the committee stage. At committee again, amendments, inclusions and deletion are made. The bill then is reported to the house and then final reading before being taken to the President for his assent.
The Anti- Corruption strategy has been mentioned by many as a strong force given that it will fight corruption whilst others are saying that the bill gives lots of powers to the ACC.
By Ishmael Bayoh