At any time, upon complaint made to him or upon his own motion, the Governor may appoint a special commission to investigate any State department or State institution, which commission shall have power to subpoena witnesses, require the production of books and papers, and to do all things necessary to a full and thorough investigation, and shall submit its findings to the Governor. The members of such special commission shall, while engaged in the performance of their duties, receive their actual expenses and a per diem of four dollars ($4.00).
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-158