By Ovat Abeng
The newly appointed Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr. Nkechi Gloria Nnoli, has assured staff of major reforms aimed at strengthening the commission’s operations and ensuring fairness in federal representation.
Dr. Nnoli gave the assurance during a familiarization visit to the Anambra State office of the commission, on Tuesday, where she told staff that “it is no longer business as usual.”
According to her, the directive aligns with the message from the Chairman of the commission, Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, who has charged all staff to sit up and be ready to work toward repositioning the agency.
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She emphasized that the commission under the current leadership is determined to correct lapses of past administrations and ensure the objectives of the FCC are fully achieved.
“Everyone must sit up and get ready to work. Change has come to stay. We are ready to make things right. What past administrations could not achieve, we are determined to achieve,” she said.
Dr. Nnoli also revealed plans to reform the operations of the commission in the state in order to make it more effective in carrying out its constitutional mandate.
During the visit, she expressed concern over the condition and location of the commission’s office in Anambra, describing it as unsuitable for effective work.
According to her, the office should be relocated to the State Secretariat because the current location is isolated and faces several challenges, including poor security and electricity problems.
“This place is not too good. It is isolated and there are serious security and electricity challenges. Almost everything here has been vandalised. Apart from the structure, you cannot see any good thing here,” she noted.
Dr. Nnoli further stressed the need for public sensitization on the role of the Federal Character Commission, explaining that many Nigerians still misunderstand its responsibilities.
She said the commission would intensify awareness efforts so that citizens understand that the principle of federal character is designed to promote fairness, unity and proper representation across the country.
“We have to sensitise our people because many see federal character as just a federal thing. We must enforce the federal character principle so people will understand what it is all about,” she said.
According to her, the principle ensures that every unit of the country, from states to local governments and wards, is fairly represented in federal appointments and the distribution of infrastructure.
Quoting Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Nnoli said the President described the Federal Character Commission as “the conscience of the nation.”
She explained that the commission has the mandate to ensure equity and fairness in the distribution of federal employment opportunities and development projects.
Dr. Nnoli assured that she and the staff of the commission in Anambra State would work diligently to ensure that the state receives its fair share of federal opportunities and benefits.
“We will make sure Anambra State gets its own share,” she further assured.
