The executive chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Ayo Omidiran, has pledged to reposition the commission through institutional reforms, transparency and strict enforcement of the Federal Character Principle.

Ms Omidiran made the pledge on Thursday in Abuja while delivering her inaugural address at the inauguration of the 5th Board of the commission.

She said her appointment, together with the commissioners, was a rare privilege and a call to national duty that must be discharged with integrity and patriotism.

The FCC chairman thanked President Bola Tinubu for finding the board members worthy to serve and also commended the Senate for the speedy confirmation of their appointments.

She noted that the successful security screening and Senate confirmation underscored the credibility and character of members of the board.

Ms Omidiran recalled that the Commission was established by Decree No. 34 of 1996 to enforce fairness, equity and justice in the distribution of public offices, socio-economic amenities and infrastructural facilities across the country.

“The commission derives its mandate from the 1999 Constitution and the Federal Character Enabling Act, which empower it to ensure equitable representation in public service appointments as well as balanced distribution of national resources.”

The chairman, however, lamented that nearly three decades after its establishment, the commission had fallen short of expectations due to leadership failures, institutional weaknesses and lack of political will.

She said public perception of the FCC was at its lowest ebb, adding that urgent steps were needed to rebuild trust and restore confidence in the institution.

“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” Ms Omidiran said.

She warned that blanket waivers, job racketeering, recruitment by replacement and splitting of recruitment by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) would no longer be tolerated.

“MDAs must comply with all existing rules of engagement. The era of job racketeering is also over, commissioners and staff including stakeholders must not tarnish the image of the Commission by involving themselves in such practices.

“Splitting of recruitment and recruitment by replacement by MDAs will no longer be tolerated, ” Ms Omidiran warned.

Ms Omidiran called on board members and staff to work together with integrity and dedication to leave behind a legacy of fairness, justice and balanced development.

She, thereafter, formally inaugurated the 5th Board of the Federal Character Commission.

Ms Omidiran, who is the 5th substantive FCC executive chairman and members of the board were earlier administered with the oath of office by Mr Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.

(NAN)