Tinubu Charges FCC Board to Uphold Fairness, Inclusion, and National Unity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked the newly inaugurated 5th Board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and national unity across Nigeria’s federal institutions. He emphasized that the commission’s decisions will influence public trust, national cohesion, and confidence in the Nigerian project.

Speaking at the Two-Day Induction and Sensitisation Workshop in Abuja, themed “A Guide to the Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle,” Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, highlighted the FCC’s strategic role in ensuring that the diversity of Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, and cultural composition is reflected in federal appointments and recruitment practices.

“Your responsibility is both technical and profoundly human,” he said. “While your work involves oversight of recruitment and institutional practices, your greater duty is to safeguard the spirit of fairness and inclusion that our Constitution seeks to uphold. Federal Character must never be a mere arithmetic exercise; it must reinforce competence, professionalism, and efficiency.”

FCC Chairman, Hon. Hulyat Motunrayo Omidiran, declared that under the current Board, “it will not be business as usual.” She pledged strict adherence to constitutional mandates, institutional discipline, ethical conduct, and accountability.

“The Federal Character Commission exists to promote fairness, inclusiveness, balance, and justice within our diverse nation. The Federal Character Principle is not a political slogan; it is a stabilising framework for national unity,” Omidiran said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, represented by Prof. Babatunde Bolaji Bernard, urged commissioners to carry out their duties with patriotism, impartiality, and professionalism. He noted that public trust hinges on the FCC’s integrity and called for stronger oversight, inter-agency collaboration, and transparency.

The induction workshop marks a defining moment for the FCC, transitioning the Board from appointment to purposeful service following its inauguration by President Tinubu on 22 January 2026.