By Muhammad Mamman
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to uphold transparency, professionalism, and consistency in their duties, warning that Nigeria “feels fragile” when the federal character principle is misused.
The president’s remarks came on January 22, during the swearing-in of Ayo Omidiran as FCC chairperson, alongside 37 commissioners representing Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu stressed the importance of fair representation in public appointments, highlighting that adherence to the federal character principle is critical to national cohesion and public trust. He called on the commissioners to exercise their powers judiciously, ensuring that decisions reflect merit, equity, and inclusivity.
Omidiran, in her remarks, pledged to lead the commission with integrity and impartiality, promising to strengthen its role in promoting equitable distribution of public offices across the federation.
The Federal Character Commission, established to safeguard balanced representation in government, has faced scrutiny in recent years over allegations of bias and favoritism in appointments. Tinubu’s directive signals a renewed focus on accountability as the country navigates complex political and social dynamics.

