By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has pledged to pursue institutional reforms and move decisively against job racketeering, as part of efforts to restore fairness and equity in the implementation of the Federal Character principle.

Omidiran stated this on Thursday in Abuja during her inaugural address at the Federal Character Commission headquarters, shortly after she and other members of the Fifth Board were sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the Presidential Villa.

She described her appointment as a call to national service and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in her and other board members, noting that the moment marked a new beginning for the Commission.

According to her, the responsibility before the board requires collective leadership, patriotism and commitment to national interest, as the Commission works to strengthen national unity and cohesion.

Restating the constitutional mandate of the Commission, Omidiran said it was established to promote fairness, justice and equity in governance and development across the federating units.

She said, “The establishment of the Federal Character Commission by Decree no. 34 of 1996 following the recommendation of the 1994/1995 Constitution Conference has an objective to implement and enforce the Federal Character Principle of fairness, justice and equity in the distribution of bureaucratic and political posts, socio economic amenities and infrastructural facilities amongst the federating units of the country.”

Acknowledging challenges faced by the Commission over the years, the FCC chair stressed the need for institutional renewal to rebuild public confidence.

She said, “Public perception of the Commission is at its lowest ebb. We must change the narratives. I make bold to say that we are moving to work immediately. It is in this regard that I am declaring a state of emergency in all our operations. This will make us rekindle and rebuild public trust between government and citizens.”

While cautioning Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, against practices that undermine the Federal Character principle, Omidiran said compliance would no longer be optional.

She said, “It is therefore, not going to be business as usual, the era of blanket waivers will no longer be tolerated. MDAs must comply with all existing rules of engagement. The era of job racketeering is also over.”

The FCC boss disclosed that the Commission would soon unveil a five year strategic plan to guide reforms and improve service delivery.

Omidiran stressed that the Commission’s mandate goes beyond appointments, noting that it was designed to ensure inclusion and a sense of belonging for all Nigerians.

She said, “The Federal Character Commission was not created merely to share appointments it was established to ensure that every Nigerian have a sense of belonging and justice in the affairs of the nation.”

She expressed confidence that with integrity, teamwork and patriotism, the Commission would deliver balanced development and strengthen national cohesion.