Public Complaints Commission To Establish Additional Zonal Offices In Delta

The Public Complaints Commission, otherwise called the Nigerian Ombudsman, on Tuesdays said it is making concerted efforts to establish Six additional Zonal Offices in Delta State.

The Honourable Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Asaba, Delta State, Hon. Harvest Igben, who dropped the hint when he led a delegation of the Commission, on a working visit to the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, explained that the essence was to achieve a wider reach as regards activities of the Commission.

While noting that the Commission presently operates Six (6) Zonal Offices in Agbor, Warri, Ughelli, Ogwashi-Uku, Oleh and Ozoro, all of which are located in the respective Local Government Secretariats, Hon. Igben, noted: “The Commission’s services, are rendered free of charge to all and is also easily accessible even at the grassroots.”

Hon. Igben, a former member of Delta State House of Assembly, added: “Going by documentary public records of the Commission’s activities, the Commission resolves an average of One thousand (1000) cases yearly, thereby bringing joy to many lives across Delta State and beyond.

“The primary function of the Commission is to investigate complaints by members of the public concerning the administrative action of any Public Authority (Federal/State/Local governments) and companies or their officials and other related matters, all with the purpose of reducing and even eliminating all forms of administrative injustice in the system. From the fliers that will be made available, you can check out the wide range of matters, although not exhaustive, which the Commission entertains for inquiry.

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“The Commission wishes to kindly request that you use your good office as Chairman to consider the allocation of a wider office space to the Commission and also to provide such office furniture and fittings as may be approved for a modest continuation of her operations in the Local Government Area.

“It’s our firm promise to continue to improve upon the salutary services of the Commission to the indigenes and residents of your domain (Warri South Local Government Area) we have implicit confidence that you (Dr. Michael Tidi) will give this request utmost consideration”.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, in his response, said, “Until your (referring Hon. Igben) coming, a lot of people did not know much about the Commission created by a Decree, where people can seek and complain about their problems.

“I am glad that you said you intend to widen your reach in the state. There is need for more sensitization campaign to the people, regarding the activities of the Commission.

“I want to employ you not to rest on your oars, but to continue to do what you do and I assure you that your complain, will be looked into. The only problem we have, is availability of space. I never knew you take up cases on pro bono”.

Some of the complaints handled by the Commission include; delay in promotion, wrongful dismissal from service, wrongful computation of retirement benefits, complaints of injustice against any company, non – payment of retirement benefit, non – payment of insurance claims, non – payment of death benefits and non – refund of National Housing Fund contributions.