Federal Character Commission Inaugurated

President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again reiterated his firm conviction that the diversity of the Nigerian nation- state should indeed be the source of our strength and not a weakness. He made this disclosure in his office, Abuja, during the inauguration of the Federal Character Commission

According to the President, the cries of marginalisation being witnessed all over the country, since the return to civilian rule, is a pointer to this conviction, since such cries derive from the genuine desires of the various sections of the nation to get more from the union, thus reaffirming their belief in the sanctity of the nation and in the benefits that derive from the project of nation-building.

President Obasanjo noted that the principles of "equitability and justice" are vital consideration in the operations of the Federal Character Commission but urge the commission to bear in mind the constraint of available resources, as no nation on earth has the resources to meet the aspirations and expectations of all its citizens. He enjoined the commission to ensure that the principle of Federal Character are reflected in the conduct of their affairs as it relates to equity and fair representation in key national institutions but cautioned that at no time should merit be sacrificed on the altar of the principle. He stressed that the country is blessed with enough human resources to provide us with the best brains for every official position.

The Federal Character Commission was established by an Act of 1996 to address the problems of Nigeria's socio-economic and cultural diversity through the application of deliberate measures that will create amongst the citizenry a sense of belonging and loyalty.

Bolaji Adebiyi
Nigeria Information Service Centre
July 25, 2002.