The Public Complaints Commission, PCC, also known as the Ombudsman, has warned members of the public against making frivolous and malicious complaints against any individual, government or companies.
The Jigawa State Commissioner of the commission, Alhaji Usman Shehu, disclosed this while addressing journalists during the celebration of the commission’s 51st anniversary in Nigeria.
He said anyone found guilty of deliberately presenting false allegations could face six months’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦500,000.
”Whatever kind of complaint you are going to submit make sure it’s genuine otherwise you may end up in prison,” he warned.
He cautioned members of the public against using the commission to tarnish the reputation of others through baseless allegations, stressing that complaints must be supported by facts.
Alhaji Usman explained that the commission was established to receive and investigate complaints against government ministries, departments and agencies, private companies and individuals, as well as resolve disputes involving different members of the public.
”Our mandate is to investigate any complaint against government, ministries, departments and agencies , businesses and among individuals.
”Our responsibilities covered disputes between landlords and tenants, banks and their customers, transport workers and passengers, road users and traffic officials, as well as complaints against security agencies and other public institutions,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents of Jigawa State to take advantage of the commission’s services whenever they experienced injustice or encountered problems with public institutions and service providers.
He, however, assured the public that the commission remained impartial and committed to protecting the rights of individuals, adding that its officials neither demand nor accept bribes from complainants or respondents.
He warned that any staff member found accepting bribes would face disciplinary action, insisting that the commission would not compromise its integrity.
The commissioner also expressed concern over the low level of public awareness about the commission in Jigawa State, noting that many residents were unaware of its existence and responsibilities.
Alhaji Usman disclosed that the commission had received approximately 1.5 million complaints across the country, out of which about 740,000 had been investigated and resolved.