‘You are stepping into roles that not only require diligence and integrity but a deep commitment to serve the good people of Nigeria’
MY SPEECH AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE RECONSTITUTED PUBIC COMPLAINTS COMMISSION BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON SEPTEMBER 25 2024,
BUILDING A FUTURE FOR OUR COUNTRY
I invite everyone present here to celebrate this pivotal moment in our democracy, as we inaugurate the Chief Commissioner and Commissioners of the Public Complaints Commission—an institution that embodies the very essence of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice in Nigeria.
Now, it is important to take a moment to reflect on, and, intimate our countrymen of, what this Commission represents. In every democracy, the strength of the government is measured not just by the laws legislators enact but by how well they listen to the voices of the citizens. The Public Complaints Commission is that vital bridge—connecting the people to their government, ensuring that every concern is addressed, every voice is heard, and every grievance is met with action.
To those of you who have accepted this tremendous responsibility, we want to remind you: to whom much is given, much is expected. You are stepping into roles that not only require diligence and integrity but a deep commitment to serve the good people of Nigeria. You have now joined us as co-laborers in nation building and custodians of the public’s trust, and it is your duty to uphold that trust with honor, commitment, and dedication.
As you embark on this journey, we urge you to live up to the expectations that come with your positions. Represent the National Assembly, and, more importantly, represent the people of Nigeria with pride. Remember that your work will touch lives, inspire hope, and remind us all that justice is not merely a privilege but a right for every citizen.
Think back to a time when a dedicated commission stepped in to right a wrong—a time when the cries of the marginalized were finally heard. Think of a man like Gosta Bohman, who as Sweden’s Parliamentary Ombudsman, the same position you are in, initiated an investigation of the ill-treatment and violation of the fundamental human rights of asylum seekers in Sweden in the 1990’s. His dogged investigation led to a public outcry and wide ranging legislative action to redress this injustice. We expect this current PCC to borrow a leaf from Bohman and be involved in investigative actions designed to expose the sore points of our natinon’s social, economic and political life. We expect you to identify and stand up against systemic injustice and corruption, and help us redress them. This is the power of what you can do, and this is the legacy you can build.
Ladies and gentlemen of the PCC, know this: the National Assembly stands firmly with you. We are committed to providing the support and resources necessary for you to fulfill your mission. Together, we can build a Nigeria where every citizen feels valued, where justice prevails, and where the voices of our people are not just heard but amplified.
So, as you take on this noble charge, I challenge you to rise to the occasion. Embrace your roles with passion and purpose. Let your tenure be marked by transformative achievements and unwavering dedication to the people you serve. Let your watchword be that famous quotation by Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Congratulations to Hon. Bashir Abubakar, MFR, on his appointment and assumption of office as the Chief Commissioner. The cap fits you and your track record speaks for you. I have a simple advice for you: Courage brother, do not stumble. Congratulations to all commissioners who have been found fit in character and pedigree to undertake this national assignment with you. Again I advice all of them, “Courage, my friends, and do not stumble.”
I believe that together, the National Assembly and the PCC, can and will work towards building a brighter future for all Nigerians—a future where hope triumphs over fear, and where justice is not just a word, but a living reality.
Thank you, and may you be guided by the spirit of service as you embark on this important journey.