Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has established a public complaints office, aimed at enabling him receive complaints from the citizens about violations of their human rights.
The Ombudsman will also serve as an avenue for the Abia citizens to report any abuse of office or power, by public office holders.
Addressing the press at Abia State Government House, Umuahia about the establishment of the office, Ombudsman to the Abia State Governor, Justice Kyrian Chukwuemeka Nwankpa (Rtd.) described his office as an innovation by Governor Otti designed to make the right impact on Abia people, promising to fulfil the purpose of establishing the office by the Governor.
Justice Nwankpa disclosed that the office would be assisting the Governor in receiving complaints from the public and addressing such complaints by making recommendations to the Governor after investigations must have been concluded, pointing out that it was designed to make the right impact on the people.
“The function of the Ombudsman is to receive complaints from private citizens against public servants, agencies of government, corporate bodies and businesses and it is the business of the Ombudsman to investigate those complaints with a view to coming up with recommendations and solutions if possible”
He noted that the Ombudsman, which was not in existence in the state in the past, would serve as a public advocate or public defender.
Justice Nwankpa, who disclosed that his office is already handling some complaints brought before it, added that the expansion of the office is in process.
He called on the individuals and groups who have genuine complaints against the violation of their human rights to use the existence of the Ombudsman to get justice.
