Hon. Kayode Oladele‎ assumed the Chairmanship of the Federal Character Commission. promised Nigeria fairness and equity.

‎The Chairman and Members of the House Committee on Federal Character,

‎Honourable Members of the National Assembly, ‎Distinguished Guests, ‎Ladies and Gentlemen, ‎I stand before you today with great respect and humility to underscore the urgent need for a strengthened, results-driven synergy between the Federal Character Commission and the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character. Our shared constitutional mandate to uphold the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and fairness in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic amenities places us not as separate bodies, but as co-guardians of national cohesion and unity.

‎Let me begin with a note of reflection. 

‎‎I assumed the Chairmanship of the Federal Character Commission at a most critical juncture when staff morale was alarmingly low, institutional confidence had waned, and public perception of the Commission was far from favorable. The credibility of our mission to promote fairness, equity, and national cohesion was being questioned not just by outsiders, but even within our ranks. It became immediately clear to me that before we could effectively enforce compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, we first had to rebuild the Commission itself: restore its internal confidence, reawaken its sense of purpose, and rekindle the trust of the Nigerian people. 

‎‎This process of institutional renewal is deeply aligned with the vision and direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, under which the federal character principle is recognized as one of the major pillars for promoting national inclusion, equity, and trust in government. Mr. President has made it clear that no part of Nigeria must be left behind or feel excluded in the allocation of opportunities and resources. Our Commission, therefore, plays a critical role in actualizing this national vision.

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‎Why Is Synergy Necessary?

‎‎First, synergy promotes effective oversight and enforcement. As a regulatory Agency, the Federal Character Commission carries out monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement of compliance, but the authority of the legislature provides the political and institutional weight necessary to ensure adherence, especially when MDAs fail to meet constitutional obligations.

‎‎Second, synergy fosters transparency and accountability. When our institutions speak with one voice, conduct joint inspections, share data, and coordinate on compliance reports, we send a strong message that no agency is above the law and that deviation from federal character principles will not be tolerated.

‎Third, and perhaps most importantly, synergy helps reduce national tension and agitation. It is no secret that many of the grievances expressed across regions in Nigeria, whether political, economic, or security-related are rooted in perceptions of marginalization, domination, and exclusion. An effective Federal Character Commission, working in partnership with the legislature, can address these concerns at their root by ensuring equitable representation and opportunity. When people see fairness in the system, they are more likely to trust the process and less likely to agitate for radical alternatives.

‎‎However, we must also acknowledge that paucity of funds remains one of the major constraints facing the Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. Inadequate funding affects our capacity to monitor MDAs effectively, to build digital compliance tools, and to conduct recruitment audits nationwide. But I am confident that with the support and intervention of the the President and National  Assembly, especially this distinguished Committee, this challenge can be overcome. Your continued support in the appropriation process and budgetary oversight can help reposition the Commission for optimal performance.

‎It is important to note that the Federal Character Commission has offices in all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, and is statutorily mandated to monitor and regulate over 700 Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including applicable state-level institutions. This extensive national reach and oversight responsibility cannot be effectively executed without proper and adequate funding. To perform these duties consistently and efficiently, especially in a diverse federation like ours, the support of the National Assembly is as invaluable as it is indispensable.

‎‎The Way Forward ‎In light of these imperatives, I propose the following actionable steps to institutionalize our collaboration:

‎1. Legislative Backing for Reforms: The House Committee can assist in reviewing and amending relevant the establishment Act to grant the Commission greater autonomy in enforcement and sanctions, including digital monitoring, recruitment audits, and enforcement mechanisms as well as the expansion of its constitutional mandates to include the monitoring and enforcement of all civil rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.

‎2. Capacity Building and Information Sharing: We should also conduct joint workshops, Public enlightenment programs and regional forums to sensitize government institutions and the general public about their rights and responsibilities under the federal character principle.

‎3. Budgetary Collaboration: As this  Committee plays a critical role in appropriation, it can help ensure that the FCC is adequately funded to discharge its constitutional duties and mandates effective and efficiently.

‎‎Conclusion ‎Honourable Chairman and members of this esteemed Committee, the task before us is sacred. The founders of our republic envisioned a Nigeria where no group or individual feels marginalized. They embedded the federal character principle into our Constitution not as an afterthought, but as a core pillar of national integration and justice.

‎‎Let us therefore recommit ourselves both in word and in deed to this constitutional responsibility. Let us move beyond formal meetings and token engagements, toward sustained, productive partnership in service to our country and her people.

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‎Together, let us support the Renewed Hope Agenda by building a Nigeria where fairness is not a favour, but a right guaranteed, protected, and actualized.

‎‎Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Report By. 

‎IBukun Afolayan ‎Cherish Nigeria NEWSDAY‎ Nass Independent Media Publishers 

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