The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has warned Nigerians against submitting false, frivolous or malicious complaints, saying offenders could face imprisonment or financial penalties.
The Jigawa State Commissioner of the commission, Alhaji Usman Shehu, gave the warning while speaking with journalists during activities marking the PCC's 51st anniversary in Nigeria.
Shehu said anyone found guilty of deliberately making false allegations could face six months in prison or a fine of ₦500,000.
"Whatever kind of complaint you are going to submit make sure it's genuine otherwise you may end up in prison," he warned.
He cautioned against using the commission to damage the reputation of individuals, government agencies or businesses through baseless allegations.
"Our mandate is to investigate any complaint against government, ministries, departments and agencies, businesses and among individuals," Shehu said.
He explained that the commission handles disputes involving landlords and tenants, banks and their customers, transport workers and passengers, road users and traffic officials, as well as complaints against security agencies.
Shehu urged residents to use the commission whenever they experience injustice or encounter problems with public institutions and service providers.
He also assured Nigerians that PCC officials neither demand nor accept bribes from complainants or respondents.
The commissioner disclosed that the commission had received approximately 1.5 million complaints nationwide, with about 740,000 investigated and resolved.
There commissioner's warning, however, does not tally with the PCC Act, as published on the commission's website.
Section 8 provides for a ₦500 fine or six months' imprisonment for certain offences, while knowingly making a materially false statement in a complaint attracts one year in prison without the option of a fine.
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