Tinubu Tasks FCC On Fairness, Stability, National Interest

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, January 22, urged the newly sworn-in Chairman and Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to exhibit fairness and justice in the discharge of their duties, saying their mandate is critical to national peace and stability.
Speaking in Abuja while administering the oath of office to the Chairman, Hulayat Ayo Omidiran, and other commissioners, Tinubu urged them to seek practical ways to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and advancement, describing the Commission as the conscience of the nation.
According to him: “The role you represent here today is the conscience of our nation. What you have been assigned to do is to promote and stabilise that conscience, ensuring diligence, commitment and patriotism among our citizens.”
Tinubu said given Nigeria’s diversity and complexities, the FCC has a pivotal responsibility in fostering unity and stability across the federation, saying Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources required for greatness and prosperity.
While urging public officials and citizens to commit themselves to national development, the President stated: “I ask you to ask yourselves what you can do for this country, not what the country can do for you.
“Now that you have been inaugurated to reflect the federal character, the complexity and diversity of this nation are in your hands. May God guide you in this critical assignment.”
Responding on behalf of others, Omidiran thanked the President for the opportunity to serve and for the confidence reposed in them, assuring that the Commission would diligently pursue its constitutional mandate, in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She added: “Under my watch, the Commission will discharge its responsibilities with fairness and integrity. We will promote the strength of our diversity and rekindle the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians as we carry out our mandate, under your guidance.”
A statement on Thursday, January 22, by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the FCC comprises one commissioner from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Commission, established by Act No. 34 of 1996 and entrenched in Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is charged with ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of public offices and socio-economic infrastructure among Nigeria’s federating units.