By OKON OKON

The Federal Government has directed the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to intensify enforcement of the federal character principle across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The federal government emphasised that fairness, inclusion and public trust in governance depend largely on the commission’s actions.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, gave the directive on Tuesday in Abuja at a two-day induction and sensitisation workshop organised for members of the fifth Board of the FCC.

Akume, represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, said that the federal character principle remained a constitutional imperative and a cornerstone of national cohesion, stressing that it must be implemented strictly and without compromise.

”This gathering is both timely and strategic, and I commend the commission for convening it with clarity of purpose and institutional foresight in line with the federal government’s commitment to strengthening governance inclusiveness and promoting effective public institutions ,” he said.

He urged the board members to discharge their duties with objectivity, professionalism and unwavering loyalty to the constitution, noting that public perception of fairness and justice in governance would largely depend on their conduct.

According to him, the Federal Government expects the commission to strengthen data-driven oversight mechanisms, promote transparency and work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure inclusive governance in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Commission, Ayo Omidiran, said the workshop marked a transition from appointment to purposeful service, adding that the fifth board would not operate on a “business as usual” basis.

Omidiran said the FCC was committed to strict adherence to its enabling laws, ethical conduct and accountability, while enforcing the federal character principle without fear or favour.

She described the principle as a stabilising framework for managing Nigeria’s diversity, noting that its faithful implementation would deepen national unity, trust and social harmony.

“This induction workshop has therefore been deliberately designed to provide clarity of purpose, shared understanding, and strategic coherence.

“It is meant to remind us why we are here, what the nation expects of us, and the reasons we must carry out our responsibilities with discipline, professionalism, and absolute fidelity to the law,” she said.

Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, said the FCC occupied a strategic position in Nigeria’s constitutional architecture, noting that national unity was a strategic necessity rather than an abstract ideal.

Gbajabiamila urged the commissioners to balance inclusion with competence and professionalism, stressing that federal character must never be reduced to symbolism or used as an excuse for mediocrity.

In a goodwill message, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character Commission, Mr Ahmed Wase, assured the commission of the National Assembly’s support, urging members to place national interest above personal considerations in the discharge of their duties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop is aimed at aligning the vision of the new board, strengthening internal cohesion and equipping members with practical tools for effective enforcement of the federal character principle.

NAN also reports that the theme for the workshop is, “Guiding the Effective Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle”. (NAN)

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