In a country like Nigeria, where institutions often appear distant from the common man, it is refreshing—and indeed necessary—to spotlight one silent but powerful instrument of public justice: the Public Complaints Commission (PCC). This federal establishment, which has a functional arm right here in Ebonyi State, remains one of the most underutilized yet potentially impactful avenues for conflict resolution and civic redress.
During my time as the Substantive Secretary of the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo chapter in Ebonyi, I had firsthand encounters with the tangled web of complaints, disputes, and interpersonal crises that bubble beneath our communal surfaces—both in public institutions and private interactions. These were not just casual misunderstandings. Many were deep-rooted conflicts with the potential to trigger violence or long-term animosity between families, communities, and even local authorities.
What saved the day in many instances was collaboration—not just with community leaders, town unions, or royal councils, but with a reliable federal partner: the PCC in Ebonyi.
The Public Complaints Commission was set up by the Federal Government to be a bridge between the people and governance structures. Its mandate? To investigate complaints against public authorities, institutions, and even private entities, thereby offering non-judicial, but legally backed resolution mechanisms.
Unfortunately, too many people in Ebonyi are unaware of its presence. Even more tragic is that many choose to suffer in silence or take matters into their own hands—resorting to self-help, mob action, or endless and costly legal battles that clog our already overburdened court systems.
At Ohanaeze, we worked closely with the PCC when our internal mechanisms hit a wall. Some cases were simply beyond our scope—complex, multi-party disputes or systemic complaints against government agencies. In those moments, the PCC proved invaluable.
Their involvement was never about flexing federal muscle; it was about mediation, listening, and problem-solving. They became allies in the struggle for peace, restoring relationships fractured by misunderstanding, corruption, or neglect.
While local sociocultural bodies like Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo play a crucial role in peacebuilding, we must admit our limitations. We don’t wield the authority to summon government institutions, enforce compliance, or demand restitution. But the PCC can—and does.
This is why awareness is key. Every community in Ebonyi should know that there is a federal office in the state dedicated to addressing their complaints without fear or cost. This is not charity. It is your constitutional right.
Let’s not wait for conflict to escalate before seeking help. Let us empower our people with knowledge. Town unions, churches, traditional rulers, and civil society groups must spread the word. The Public Complaints Commission is not just an office in Abakaliki—it is a vehicle for justice and a tool for national cohesion.
At a time when police stations and courts are overflowing with unresolved cases, the PCC offers an accessible alternative for fairness, resolution, and healing.
We must return to the culture of seeking peace before punishment, and mediation before litigation. In Ebonyi State, we are fortunate to have a functioning PCC. Let us use it.
To God be the glory.
Egede Lawrence is a community advocate, former Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ebonyi Chapter, and founder of Noble Media Information.
