President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to uphold transparency, professionalism and consistency in the discharge of their duties.
On January 22, Tinubu inaugurated Ayo Omidiran as chairperson of the commission, alongside 37 commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at the State House, Abuja.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening of a two-day induction programme for the newly inaugurated commissioners, the president said Nigerians must come to see the FCC not as another bureaucratic institution, but as a guardian of fairness and national inclusion.
Represented by Femi Gbajabiamila, his chief of staff, Tinubu said the country “feels fragile” whenever the federal character principle is ignored or abused.
“Transparency in your processes, professionalism in your engagements, and consistency in your decisions will deepen public confidence in your work and ensure your success in this assignment,” he said.
“This is not routine public service. This is constitutional stewardship. You are custodians of one of the most delicate compacts holding our nation together.
“When the federal character principle is upheld with wisdom, Nigeria feels fair. When it is ignored or abused, Nigeria feels fragile. Your actions will therefore resonate far beyond your offices. They will echo in communities, shape trust, and influence belief in the Nigerian project itself.”
Tinubu said the work of the commission is both preventive and corrective, noting that diligent performance of its duties would help prevent disputes and sustain public confidence in the state.
“Nigeria’s diversity is often described as a challenge. It is also our greatest strength. It gives us resilience, reach and perspective,” he said.
“But diversity only becomes strength when it is managed with justice. Without justice, diversity becomes division. Your task is to ensure that justice remains visible — justice that is fair, balanced, grounded in the Constitution, and applied without fear or favour.”
George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said the federal character principle remains a cornerstone of national cohesion and democratic stability.
Akume described the principle as a constitutional imperative that demands strict compliance across all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
He said the federal government expects the commission to intensify monitoring, strengthen data-driven oversight and ensure faithful implementation of the principle without compromise.
“Your work as members of this fifth board will significantly shape public perception of fairness, inclusion and justice in governance,” he said.
“The manner in which you discharge your duties must therefore reflect objectivity, professionalism and unwavering loyalty to the Constitution, as public trust in our institutions depends largely on your decisions and conduct.”
Earlier, Omidiran said the FCC occupies a unique and sensitive position within Nigeria’s governance architecture, as it exists to promote fairness, inclusiveness, balance and justice in a nation defined by diversity.
She said the federal character principle is not a political slogan, but a stabilising framework designed to manage pluralism, foster unity and ensure that no section of the country is excluded from the benefits and responsibilities of governance.
“This principle reflects Nigeria’s collective resolve to build unity through equity, cohesion through inclusion and loyalty through justice,” she said.
“When faithfully applied, it strengthens national trust, deepens citizens’ sense of belonging and reinforces confidence in public institutions.”
Omidiran added that the commission bears a broader social responsibility that goes beyond compliance and regulation.
“Our work has implications for national unity, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development,” she said.
“When the federal character principle is properly implemented, it ensures that opportunities are fairly distributed, representation is balanced and development is inclusive.”
