The Honourable Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission in Benue State, James Oche Ogaba, on 19th March, 2025, held Ten Case Conferences wherein he gave verdict to promote administrative justice.
Before the Honourable Commissioner was a complaint which the Ezza Community in Ado Local Government alleged that Agbo Samuel and Michael Ojah had conspired and massively destroyed their economic trees and several criminal activities against their people with a view to displacing them, Oche maintained that the people were indigenes of Ado as they had lived there for many years. He, however, adjourned the case to another day to enable the Commission study the many documents tendered by the Respondent. A minute silence was also observed in remembrance of a girl who had allegedly died from rape by some members of the Respondent.
In another complaint lodged by IGJ Ltd against the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, the Complainant alleged that the FMC had failed to follow the Public Procurement Act in auctioning some items of property which it had participated in the bidding. Responding, the Medical Director explained that the exercise had been cancelled since December, 2024, because of advice from the Federal Ministry of Works that there were some procedural errors in the bidding and no letter of award was given to any firm including the complainant. Consequently, Hon. Oche advised that in the next exercise, PCC should be invited to observe and it should be open and fair and the Complainant also be allowed to participate.
Before the Honourable Commissioner was a case of job racketeering lodged by Anthony Inalegwu and Six others against Loretta Nungwa Alfa of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund. the Complainants alleged that the Respondent had collected N2, 500, 0000 from them with a promise to give them employments, which she failed. However, she did not refund all money to them, leaving an outstanding balance of N1, 800, 000. Subsequent to testimonies by the disputants, Hon. Oche recommended that a payment schedule be made and the Respondent should pay the Complainants within Six months, with effect from June, 2025.
Commissioner Oche also mediated in complaints lodged separately by Sule James and 62 others against the Benue State Pension Commission, alleging non-payment of their pension and gratuity for many years. Following the Respondent’s explanation that the Government had started paying the Complainants some pension since June, 2023, and was considering ways to pay them all their claims, Oche urged the Government to make more frantic efforts to pay up the Complainants.
Jessy Orokpo’s complaint against Hon. Oko Micheal E. was not left out. Orokpo had alleged that the former Council Chairman of the Obi Local Government had maneuvered and paid him N1,000, 000 only, rather than N1, 850. 000 which was his outstanding payment for a contract the Council had awarded him in 2009. After weighing testimones of the Respondent and the Complainant who promised to bring documentary evidence to support his case, the Hon. Commissioner adjourned the case to another date
For the complaint of Mercy K. Shagba against Terfa Iorember, the complainant alleged that the respondent, one Mr Terfa Iorember, her tenant, had refused or neglect to pay his rent of N35, 000. Even though the Respondent promised to pay the complainant, the Honourable Commissioner decided to pay on behalf of the Respondent.
In the case of alleged non- reinstatement of four staff of the Obi Local Government following a court ruling in their favour in 2011, Three co-Respondents did not appear and the Hon. Commissioner decided that another conference should be rescheduled.
Two cases came up against the Royal Fountain International School in respect of failure to pay salaries of the Complainants. Following failure of the Respondent to appear, Hon. Oche directed that the Respondent should be re-invited.
Highlight of the proceedings was presentation of N70, 000 to a loan firm, the Trustworthy Foundation, which had been recovered from one of its debtors.
Oche appreciated the staff of the Commission for their commitment and assistance to speedy trial of complaints which culminated in the success being achieved and promised that, the Commission will, at all times prioritize their welfare.
