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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
A total of 1,637 complaints comprising social abuses, police, military, and other harassments have been recorded in Ebonyi State this year.
Director of Investigation at the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in the state, Ebirim Jesse, disclosed this to journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital.
He said wife battering, negligence by hospitals, extortion by institutions against students in tertiary institutions, administrative injustice against local government areas and NGOs, unlawful dismissal from work, land disputes, non-payment of salaries and entitlements, breach of contracts and non-release of certificates by examination bodies were also part of the complaints recorded by the commission.
Ebirim explained that the commission resolved a total of 846 out of the 1,637 complaints.
He called on the Federal Government to amend the commission’s establishment Act for efficient service delivery.
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He opined that amendment of some sections of the commission’s establishment Act, especially where offenders were given negligible fines of five hundred naira (₦500) to more stringent fines and measures, will change people’s low perception of the commission, support fear and respect for the rule of law, as well as boost federal revenue.
Despite the high volume of complaints, he regretted that the commission’s work is often hampered by its weak enforcement powers and poor cooperation from some agencies. Investigations, he added, are sometimes risky due to hostility from individuals or institutions under probe.
“We also recorded cases linked to military personnel, especially alleged misconduct and high-handedness at various checkpoints and duty posts.
“Health sector complaints were also prominent, especially cases of alleged medical negligence leading to patient deaths or complications. In one instance, a patient reportedly suffered severe internal damage due to delayed or improper treatment, resulting in significant financial burden on the family.
“I reaffirm this commission’s commitment to ensuring administrative justice for all in Ebonyi State,” he assured.
