The Nigerian Senate has initiated a formal inquiry into possible breaches of the federal character principle in the recruitment processes and appointments by various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government. The investigation, which commenced on Wednesday, involved a session between the Senate Committee on Federal Character and the heads of significant federal agencies. This probe follows a resolution passed on March 25, following a motion presented by Osita Ngwu, the minority whip and senator representing Enugu West.
The federal character principle, as stipulated in Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, requires that public appointments reflect the nation’s diversity to prevent any single ethnic or regional group from dominating. This principle aims to promote unity and a sense of belonging among all Nigerians. However, there has been increasing public discontent over the years due to continued violations of this principle by government bodies. These violations have sparked accusations of marginalization, resulting in heightened regional grievances.
Allwell Onyesoh, the committee chairman and senator from Rivers East, emphasized the committee’s intention to thoroughly review MDAs’ adherence to the federal character principle. Onyesoh remarked that the principle is vital for national cohesion and that governance should reflect Nigeria’s diverse composition to avoid domination by one group. He expressed concern about the systemic abuse and the lack of effective enforcement of the principle, noting that it is often more honored in the breach. Onyesoh also criticized the Federal Character Commission for its struggles to ensure compliance, despite having the legal authority to do so. He suggested the establishment of a federal character compliance tribunal to tackle these violations more effectively.
The committee plans to pursue its investigation through detailed hearings, interactive sessions, and, when necessary, on-site assessments. Onyesoh made it clear that the committee’s goal was corrective rather than punitive, aiming to enhance accountability, fairness, and trust in national institutions. He called for full cooperation from MDAs, civil society, and the public, warning that the committee would not hesitate to use its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 to enforce compliance.
Onyesoh also mentioned that President Bola Tinubu supports the investigation and assured that individuals attempting to evade accountability under the guise of the presidency would face consequences. Simon Lalong, vice-chairman of the committee and senator representing Plateau South, reiterated the committee’s commitment to ending abuses of the federal character principle to strengthen national unity. He confirmed that agencies scheduled to appear before the committee from Monday include the Federal Character Commission, the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the National Pension Commission, and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
