OMBUDSMAN

OMBUDSMAN

The Ombudsman is the institution established to investigate and deal with case of maladministration, injustice, corruption and unfair treatment by public officers or public authority against citizens.

The Ombudsman which is also known as the Public Complaints Commission, was first introduced in Sweden in 1809 and has since then been established in many other countries like U.S.A, France, Britain, Ghana and in Nigeria, it was established in October 1975 by the military administration General Muritala Muhammed.

FUNCTONS AND POWERS OF OMBUDSMAN AND REASONS FOR ITS ESTABLISHMENT

1. To ensure that public officers and public authorities discharge their duties in compliance with the laws of the land.
2. Protection and maximization of the rights and liberties of citizens.
3. Investigation of cases of maladministration preferred against any public officers or public authority.
4. Listening and looking into grievances of aggrieved citizens.
5. Prosecution of public officers and authorities that have not complied with the laws  of have neglected their duties.
6. Helping citizens whose rights are infringed upon to seek redress instead of going to court.
7. The Ombudsman is empowered by law to investigate any acts of corruption, nepotism, bias etc.
8. The Ombudsman has the power to suggest some changes in the laws of the land.
9. Cases of loss of documents and papers are investigated by the Ombudsman.
10. It investigates any undesirable conditions and practices in public places like prison, hospitals etc.

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