The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has successfully settled 285 cases out of the 395 complaints it received from the general public in Kaduna State in 2017, Mr Musa Tugga-Karam, the new Federal Commissioner in the state, has said.
Tugga-Karam who assumed duty recently, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kaduna that though the figure was modest, there was need for improvement.
According to him, his plan is to embark on massive sensitisation of the public on the opportunities offered by the PCC to all aggrieved persons to access justice free.
Tugga-Karam explained that the commission was mandated by law to intervene in all administrative cases affecting citizens for settlement without recourse to the court.
He said: “The Public Complaints Commission is indeed an alternative dispute resolution establishment, where judgments are arrived at through mediation and ensuring that justice has been given a humane face in order to ensure that relationships are not broken.
“In this manner peace is better guaranteed between the parties in conflict.
“It started in 1974 as Public Complaints Bureau in Kaduna during the military administration in the defunct North-Central State headed by Brig.-Gen. Abba Kyari.
“It was from the Bureau that the Federal Military Government in 1975 bought the idea and established the Public Complaints Commission at the national level.
“The vision of the commission is to restore the dignity of man through the enthronement of rule of law and protection of individuals and organisations against administrative injustice.”
Tugga-Karam said the commission would, which renders free services to aggrieved persons, will partner with the media to raise awareness and attract more people seeking justice on issues affecting them.
“The public complaint commission had been a sleeping giant until recently when it was revived and moved from the executive to the legislative arm of government.
“That is why we need to sensitise the public about our activities, using the media to enlighten and educate them on where and how to get justice for free.’’
Tugga-Karam explained that the commission investigates complainants lodged before it by any person aggrieved by administrative action taken by public and private outfits in line with the provisions of Section 5(2) of the Act establishing it.
“Complaints can be lodged by any person aggrieved by administrative action taken by Ministries, Department and Agencies of the Federal, State and Local Government, Public and private companies registered under Companies and Allied Matters Act,” he said.
He added that the commission would collaborate with relevant bodies like the Police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission among others, to combat corruption and other crimes in society.
The federal commissioner urged government, the media, NGOs and the general public to support the PCC in ensuring justice to all.