Reps Speaker Canvasses Review of Public Complaints Commission’s Mandate

By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gabjabiamila has said that the 9th National Assembly would give adequate support to the Public Complaints Commission(PCC) to achieve its mandate.

Gbajabiamila, who spoke during a courtesy call on him by a delegation of the commission led by its Chief Commissioner, Chile Igbawua, said the National Assembly would do everything possible to make the Agency work efficiently and effectively to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

He particularly noted that the National Assembly may have cause to look at the Act establishing the commission with a view to either expanding its mandate or making it more efficient.

”Nobody seems to know the commission but I am glad that you have been able to publicise and communicate to the public. You are our own baby, and whatever we need to do to make you work, we should do it, even if it means amending your laws.

“Your commission is very important, even more than other commissions. I visited your office in Lagos, and if what I saw represents what is obtained in other places, then there is a lot of work to do.”We should be able to boost your capacity to deliver on your mandate. You mentioned foreign collaboration but beyond that I think there should be a local collaboration.

We need to look for both money, of course government alone cannot do it. You need to generate money on your own, but if you are not able to, then we need to amend your laws to make it generate revenue, because you need to think outside the box.”You also need to contact private organisations and state governments to see if they can assist you in one way or the other. We want a situation where you won’t depend on government alone,” Gbajabiamila said.

The Chief Commissioner, Chile Igbawua said the Commission had a mirage of challenges, including inadequate funding, image problem among others, and called on the Speaker to intervene on their behalf. He said the commission also faced the problem of accommodation in its various offices across the country, and had received quit notices in some state offices.

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