On Tuesday, the House of Representatives made a decision to establish an ad hoc committee to request the Federal Character Commission to provide comprehensive information regarding appointments made by federal ministries, departments, and agencies during the period from 2015 to 2023, which corresponds to the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The resolution was made following the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to compel the Federal Character Commission to diligently discharge its constitutional and statutory mandate and responsibility,” moved by Paul Nnamchi during Tuesday’s plenary.
Nnamchi who represents the Isi-Uzo/Enugu East Federal Constituency, pointed out that the Federal Character Commission (FCC) Act was established in 1995 and later incorporated into the 1999 Constitution.
This regulatory body’s main responsibility is to ensure the fair distribution of bureaucratic, economic, media, and political positions across all levels of government.
He emphasized that no other constitution in Nigeria’s history has established such a body and granted it the authority to promote national integration by ensuring an equitable, transparent, and unbiased allocation of national wealth and public official positions.
However, Nnamchi expressed concern that despite the enactment of this law 28 years ago, aimed at fostering national unity and providing equal opportunities, and its constitutional entrenchment for 24 years, there is a prevailing public perception that certain sections of the country disproportionately dominate bureaucratic, economic, media, and political positions to the disadvantage of others.
“The FCC has virtually abdicated its constitutional and statutory responsibilities and degenerated into personality clash of interest amongst its commissioners as was the case about a year ago.
“The constitutional injunction is that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice, which also propagates national integration and abjure discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties,” he added.
Nnamchi further emphasized that it is well within the legislative jurisdiction of the National Assembly, particularly the relevant committee once established, to compel the Federal Character Commission to carry out its responsibilities in line with the law.
The House of Representatives has granted the committee a four-week period to compile its findings and submit a report. This report will be subject to further legislative action.
During this time, the committee will investigate the concerns related to the equitable distribution of positions and opportunities, as well as the performance of the FCC in ensuring fair representation across various sectors of the government and society.
