Sen. Allwell Tasks FCC on proportional sharing of resources, opportunities across the country

The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs organised an investigative hearing on the implementation of the Federal Character principle in Nigeria's public sector today at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Speaking, Sen. Allwell H. Onyesoh, Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character Commission, (FCC), said the Federal Character Commission in Nigeria is mandated to ensure fairness and equity in the distribution of public posts and socio-economic opportunities across the nation, promoting national unity and integration. This mandate is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and focuses on proportional sharing of resources and opportunities.

“As enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Federal Character Principle is fundamental to our national cohesion. It mandates that governance must reflect the diversity of our federation to prevent domination by any one group or region. Sadly, systemic abuse and ineffective enforcement have made this principle more honoured in the breach than in observance.”

Stressing that persistent non-compliance by many MDAs in both recruitment and infrastructure allocation has fueled marginalization and deepened discontent. The Federal Character Commission, despite its legal powers, has struggled with enforcement. This reality calls for urgent reforms, possibly including a Federal Character Compliance Tribunal, to ensure that violations are meaningfully addressed.” He said.

Sen. Allwell call on all stakeholders, MDAs, civil society, and the public to support this process as full cooperation is expected, and the Committee will not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 where necessary.”

Contributing, Senator Simon Lalong Representing Plateau Central, described the aim of the essence of Federal Character is for inclusiveness. Lamenting that the aims and objectives has not been met.

He pointed out that the committee will unfolds a lot of flaws by thorough investigative hearing, while buttressing on the mandate of the commission. And that the committee will carry out their assignment with equity and fairness.