The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Public Complaints Commission

  • Agency restates commitment to justice, fairness

    Agency restates commitment to justice, fairness

    Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has restated its commitment to promoting justice, accountability and fairness.

    Speaking in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during the golden jubilee celebration of the agency, the Commissioner representing Ekiti State, Prince Akintade Olayisade, said the celebration offered an opportunity to renew PCC’s dedication to equity and protection of citizens’ rights.

    He says as the commission celebrates 50 years of service, Ekiti office remains resolute in strengthening justice delivery, deepening transparency and ensuring  citizens, regardless of their status, can seek redress against administrative injustice.

    Olayisade said the commission, established on October 16, 1975, during the administration of General Murtala Mohammed, had remained the voice of the voiceless, the defender of fairness and a bridge between the government and the governed.

    “For 50 years, Public Complaints Commission has been a pillar of justice and fairness in our democracy. As we celebrate this golden milestone, we reaffirm our resolve to deepen justice delivery, strengthen transparency and ensure every Nigerian has access to redress without fear or favour.”

    The commissioner noted that Ekiti PCC had upheld the core values of the ombudsman by ensuring prompt and impartial investigation of complaints bordering on unpaid entitlements, wrongful dismissals and land disputes.

    Read Also: Supreme Court Justice: integrate law, religion into legal education

    He said: ‘’These interventions have brought relief to the aggrieved and restored citizens’ confidence in public institutions.’’

    Olayisade highlighted the commission’s commitment to innovation and reform, including the introduction of digital record-keeping systems, open-door complaint mechanisms and sustained public enlightenment campaigns to raise awareness about citizens’ rights and avenues for redress.

    Acknowledging challenges such as limited resources and increasing case volumes, the commissioner said such hurdles would not deter the commission from fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.

    “Our commitment remains firm and unshaken. We will continue to defend the rights of the people, uphold fairness in all dealings and promote transparency and accountability across all tiers of government,” he added.

    Olayisade hailed Ekiti State Government, ministries, departments, agencies, civil society groups and the public for their continued cooperation and urged them to sustain their support for the commission’s mission.

  • Public Complaints Commission restates commitment to justice, fairness

    Public Complaints Commission restates commitment to justice, fairness

    The Public Complaints Commission has restated its unwavering commitment to promoting justice, accountability, and fairness.

    Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday, during the golden jubilee celebration of the Commission, the Commissioner representing Ekiti State, Prince Akintade Olayisade, said the celebration offered an opportunity to renew PCC’s dedication to equity and protection of citizens’ rights.

    He emphasised that as the Commission celebrates 50 years of service, the Ekiti office remains resolute in strengthening justice delivery, deepening transparency, and ensuring every citizen, regardless of their status, can seek redress against administrative injustice.

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    Olayisade noted that the Commission, established on October 16, 1975, during the administration of General Murtala Mohammed, has remained the voice of the voiceless, the defender of fairness, and a bridge between the government and the governed.

    “For fifty years, the Public Complaints Commission has been a pillar of justice and fairness in our democracy. As we celebrate this golden milestone, we reaffirm our resolve to deepen justice delivery, strengthen transparency, and ensure that every Nigerian has access to redress without fear or favour.”

    The Commissioner noted that the Ekiti PCC has consistently upheld the core values of the ombudsman by ensuring prompt and impartial investigation of complaints bordering on unpaid entitlements, wrongful dismissals, and land disputes.

    Olayisade said these interventions have brought relief to the aggrieved and restored citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

    He also highlighted the Commission’s commitment to innovation and reform, including the introduction of digital record-keeping systems, open-door complaint mechanisms, and sustained public enlightenment campaigns to raise awareness about citizens’ rights and avenues for redress.

    While acknowledging challenges such as limited resources and increasing case volumes, the Commissioner maintained that such hurdles would not deter the commission from fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.

    “Our commitment remains firm and unshaken. We will continue to defend the rights of the people, uphold fairness in all dealings, and promote transparency and accountability across all tiers of government”, he assured.

    Olayisade commended the Ekiti State Government, ministries, departments, agencies, civil society groups, and the general public for their continued cooperation and urged them to sustain their support for the Commission’s mission.

  • NASS leadership announces Public Complaints Commission appointments

    NASS leadership announces Public Complaints Commission appointments

    The National Assembly leadership has announced the appointment of the Chief Commissioner as well as Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission.

    According to a statement by the Secretary Research and Information, Dr Ali Umoru, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, this was in compliance with Section 2(1) of the Public Complaints Commission Establishment Act (2004).

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    Bashir Abubakar, from Kaduna State was appointed the Chief Commissioner.

    Commissioners were also appointed for the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory bringing  the list to a total of 38.

    Umoru said the inauguration date will be announced in due course.

  • Religious leaders carpet JOHESU, FG over strike

    Ex-national commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Osun state, Prof Razak Abubakre and former Kwara state scribe of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev Cornelius Fawenu have blamed the Federal Government and health workers on the current Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU)’s strike.

    They both said the action of the workers is morally and spiritually not bad. Abubakre, a retired professor of Islamic Studies from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) said that the workers are “entrusted with the care, concern and treatment of patients in the hospital. Money is important but it is secondary. Secondly, the primary role of the health workers is to save lives; when you are on such sensitive appointment, if you go on strike you are dishonouring your role as an instrument in the hands of God.

    “Thirdly, if you pay Zakat on the money being paid for the work not done there is no reward for it. Eating from the money they pay you from the job you did not do is haram. “Workers should not go on strike on frivolities and asking for parity with those who are trained for seven years. It is unfair. They should look for something else to talk about not on parity. Ab initio the structure of the strike is very weak. It is unreasonable. Even if it is reasonable the strike is not good.

    Read Also:Religious leaders carpet JOHESU, FG over strike

    “The Federal Government should be responsible enough by encouraging the culture of no strike. Government should listen to complaints before workers embark on strike. It should be alive to prevent strike.

    “Going on strike for months by the health workers is not fair to all as nobody knows who is the next victim of emergency?

    “The policy of no work no pay is another reactionary move by government. I don’t want no work no pay. That is an attempt to muzzle up labour instead of by mutual understanding.”

    Rev Fawenu, former Special Adviser to Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah

    Ahmed on Religious Matters said: “I am looking at the strike from both moral and biblical perspectives. From the biblical perspective, the scripture is very unambiguous with working and its commensurate wages. It says he who does not work is not expected to eat. It is not right
    and immoral to expect payment for the work you have not done. The scripture also says the wages of labourer must be paid without delay.

    “In the particular case of JOHESU, part of the agitation is that the wages they are being paid have not been commensurate with the work they have done in the past. And they are also asking for improved services.

    “It is for them to consider the nature of their work in this particular case. Their work has some humanitarian dimension. This is a work that somebody the humanity side of you should be able to make you to be considerate. Those who are actually suffering from this strike now are not people in government. Those that are well to do access Medicare outside the shores of Nigeria. They need to be considerate of the masses. They have a good cause but that turn to bad one if they are not considerate of the masses.

    “I urge the government to at least sit up by setting its priorities right and do the right thing because something necessitated what has happened. Let us go back to the issue and deal with the roots.”

  • Religious leaders carpet JOHESU, FG over strike

    Ex-national commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Osun state, Prof Razak Abubakre and former Kwara state scribe of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev Cornelius Fawenu have blamed the Federal Government and health workers on the current Joint Health
    Workers Union (JOHESU)’s strike.

    They both said the action of the workers is morally and spiritually not bad.

    Abubakre, a retired professor of Islamic Studies from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) said that the workers are “entrusted with the care, concern and treatment of patients in the hospital. Money is important but it is secondary. Secondly, the primary role of the health workers is to save lives; when you are on such sensitive appointment, if you go on strike you are dishonouring your role as an instrument in the hands of God.

    “Thirdly, if you pay Zakat on the money being paid for the work not done there is no reward for it. Eating from the money they pay you from the job you did not do is haram.

    “Workers should not go on strike on frivolities and asking for parity with those who are trained for seven years. It is unfair. They should look for something else to talk about not on parity. Ab initio the structure of the strike is very weak. It is unreasonable. Even if it is reasonable the strike is not good.

    “The Federal Government should be responsible enough by encouraging the culture of no strike. Government should listen to complaints before workers embark on strike. It should be alive to prevent strike.

    Read Also:Court orders JOHESU to end strike

    “Going on strike for months by the health workers is not fair to all as nobody knows who is the next victim of emergency?

    “The policy of no work no pay is another reactionary move by government. I don’t want no work no pay. That is an attempt to muzzle up labour instead of by mutual understanding.”

    Rev Fawenu, former Special Adviser to Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Religious Matters said: “I am looking at the strike from both moral and biblical perspectives. From the biblical perspective, the scripture is very unambiguous with working and its commensurate wages. It says he who does not work is not expected to eat. It is not right and immoral to expect payment for the work you have not done. The scripture also says the wages of labourer must be paid without delay.

    “In the particular case of JOHESU, part of the agitation is that the wages they are being paid have not been commensurate with the work they have done in the past. And they are also asking for improved services.

    “It is for them to consider the nature of their work in this particular case. Their work has some humanitarian dimension. This is a work that somebody the humanity side of you should be able to make you to be considerate. Those who are actually suffering from this strike now are not people in government. Those that are well to do access medicare outside the shores of Nigeria. They need to be considerate of the masses. They have a good cause but that turn to bad one if they are not considerate of the masses.

    “I urge the government to at least sit up by setting its priorities right and do the right thing because something necessitated what has happened. Let us go back to the issue and deal with the roots.”

  • Yuletide: FRSC cautions drivers against drunk-driving

    Yuletide: FRSC cautions drivers against drunk-driving

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), on Friday, cautioned motorists against drunk- driving during the yuletide, which it said usually, resulted in road crashes.

    The FRSC said that many lives had been lost, especially during Christmas as a result of alcohol consumption by drivers, adding that it was collaborating with other stakeholders against the practice.

    Mrs. Dayo Odeleye, the Head of Operations, who represented Mr Vincent Jack, the Sector Commander, Ondo State, gave this warning while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after an ‘Ember Month Flag Off’ in Ore.

    NAN reports that the programme, which was tagged, “Right to Life not Negotiable’ was organised for commercial drivers and other road users in Ore.

    Jack also urged road users to ensure that their vehicles were always in good condition and that they should cooperate with FRSC officials on the highways during and after the ember months.

    “Road accidents around this time of the year are caused by human errors, especially drivers, who drink alcohol before setting out on their journeys.

    “We are making serious efforts with stakeholders to rid-off alcohol sellers at motor parks for the safety of lives and property on our highways,” Jack said.

    Earlier, Mr Phiilip Ozonnandi, the Unit Commander in Ore, had urged drivers to desist from the use of expired tyres and speeding, which he said were major causes of road crashes.

    The commander also said that the FRSC personnel would be deployed to the Benin-Ore expressway to arrest erring motorists, who violated traffic rules throughout the festive period.

    “We can no longer fold our hands and watch loss of lives and property because of speeding.

    “I urge drivers to install speed limiter in their vehicles, which is more useful in the reduction of speed to save lives and property,’’ Ozonnandi said.

    Meanwhile, Prince George Adenikinju, the Caretaker Chairman, Odigbo Local Government Area, also admonished drivers to always sensitise their members on road use and good conditions vehicles.

    In his response, Mr Sulimon Maruf, the Zonal Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ore Unit, who spoke on behalf of commercial drivers, urged his members to adhere strictly to traffic rules.

    He also said that the FRSC effort was to ensure that drivers do not end up in hospitals or mortuaries, which could put their families in disarray.

    In attendance at the event included representatives of transport unions including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACCOMORAN).

    Also present were the FRSC Marshals, the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) and Public Complaints Commission.

  • Public Complaints Commission ranks Edo Govt high on Reform

    Public Complaints Commission ranks Edo Govt high on Reform

    The Public Complaints Commission has ranked Edo State Government high on the reforms of its processes which has made it easier for the commission to access and process information from the state.

    Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Edo State, Hon. Felix Alari, said this when he led members of the commission on a courtesy visit to Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    Hon. Alari said Obaseki’s people-oriented programmes, dynamic and resourceful style of leadership have resulted in giant strides in all sectors of the state since he assumed office.

    ”My remarks are based on the positive rating of your performance so far, as reflected in the mood of the people of Edo State, which our commission also acknowledges, judging from the level of response from state government agencies and parastatals,” he said.

    He, however, urged the governor to continue to impress on public officers and heads of public institutions the need to respond promptly to enquiries from the commission, so that the state can continue with its enviable developmental stride.

    In his response, Governor Obaseki commended members of the commission for their diligence but appealed that they should never allow the agency to be used as a tool for debt collection.

    “We implore you not to allow the commission to be used as debt collection agency, which, of course, is not your mandate. I am happy to note that the number of complaints are ebbing because, as a government, we respond to every mail that comes to us. We investigate the complaints to ensure that we address the issues raised,” he added.

  • Public Complaints Commission repositions

    Public Complaints Commission repositions

    The Public Complaints Commission has restated its commitment to service delivery.

    Giving this assurance at the weekend was a member representing Akwa Ibom State in the commission, Hon. Chilly Okoko.

    Okoko, who gave this hint in Uyo Akwa Ibom State at the weekend, while fielding questions from reporters, said: “In line with the current war against corruption, impunity and arbitration initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Public Complaint Commission has reposition itself to ensure that government business in the local, states and the federal government levels are conducted in strict compliance to administrative guidelines, procedure and extant laws.”

    This development, the commissioner said, became necessary to ensure that no citizen of Nigeria or any person residing in the country suffers any form of injustice arising from the activities of any tier of government.

    “In our pursuit to create a 21st century society and a vibrant economy, it is imperative that we maintain high standard primarily by government functionaries such that the rule of law prevails at all times.”

    This, he stressed, will ensure better service delivery and citizen will be justly treated and their dignity and citizenship rights protected.

    Group partners Eco Bank Plc, others

    The African Industrial Growth Enhancement Organisa

    tion (AFRIGO) has concluded plans to launch a develop

    ment centre in Lagos.

    This, if effectively implemented, is expected to advance the industrial sector of the African region including Nigeria through a strategic inter-relationship and integration of capital, technology and human resource base.

    The launch, which is in partnership with the Eco Bank Plc, Mighty Oaks Consulting, PageCredit Microfinance Bank, African-British Diaspora International, Xanderwill Capital, Ben TV UK and Ziba Delicacies, holds later in July this year.

    In a statement made available to The Nation, the President and Founder of the organisation, Gbenga Olomola said the group is a non-profit and non partisan membership organisation which is made up of investors, business executives and development professionals across the African continent with the sole purpose of bridging the innovation, capital formation and technical progression gaps in the African region.

    Olomola said the group would assist governments at all levels in Nigeria and other Africa countries in implementing industrial development policies and programmes that would speed up even development.

    Firm boosts data transmission with 300G technology

    Telecom and cable television operators in Africa are set to improve on quality and increase their clientele reach, thanks to an affordable high tech innovation from the Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks (ASN) that enables data transmission over a distance of 10,000 kilometers using real-time processing prototypes of a unique cost-effective 300 gigabits-per-second.

    ASN which is the undersea cables subsidiary of Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) ear marks this new modulation technology to help optimise the performance of submarine cable systems whose introduction in Africa has seen the costs of internet and other telecom related services slashed by almost half and further helping deepening the adoption of technology.

    The trial has been achieved on the 10,000km of ASN’s test bed, combining the innovative 300G 8QAM (8 quadrature amplitude modulation) technology of ASN’s 1620 SOFTNODE platform and second-generation coherent submarine fiber (CSF-2).

    Olivier Gautheron, Chief Technology Officer of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks said: “This breakthrough underlines ASN’s strategic focus in R&D to raise the bar for undersea fiber-optic technology. Our researchers continue to develop new solutions to further apply our own innovation to help traditional and web-scale operators cope with increasing requirements for speed, capacity and cost-effectiveness.”

    Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks leads the industry in terms of capacity and installed base with more than 575,000 km of optical submarine cables/systems deployed worldwide.