By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, Kayode Oladele has advocated a robust partnership between the commission and the National Assembly, in order to strengthen equity, fairness and inclusivity in public service appointments and resource allocation across the country.
Oladele made the appeal Tuesday while leading a delegation to the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character Commission at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
He emphasised the need for both bodies to partner, as the institutions have similar constitutional mandates which include the promotion of national cohesion and preventing marginalisation.
According to him, rebuilding the commission’s internal structures and restoring confidence among Nigerians is critical to effectively implementing the federal character principle for the purpose of ensuring complete compliance across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.
The FCC boss promised to align his commission’s reform agenda with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the federal character principle remains central to the president’s vision of inclusion.
He equally assured the lawmakers of his strategic plans to ensure that no part of Nigeria is excluded in the allocation of opportunities and resources.
Earlier in his presentation before the House panel, the former lawmaker assured of his determination to ensure that all public institutions comply with fairness and equity in recruitments, adding that synergy with the National Assembly would enhance oversight, as well as promote transparency for the purpose of reducing tension due to perceived marginalisation of some tribes and ethnic groups.
In response, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, Idris Wase urged the new management of FCC to be specific in their proposed reforms.
Wase reminded the commission of its dynamic power as enshrined in the constitution.
He noted that FCC under the constitution has powers more than the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, urging the FCC leadership to ensure immediate enforcement of its principles in all ministries, departments and agencies of government.
