By Christiana Ekpa
Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, on Tuesday called for enhanced partnership with the National Assembly to fully realize the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and fairness in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic opportunities across Nigeria.
Speaking during an interactive session with the House Committee on Federal Character in Abuja on Tuesday, Oladele emphasized that synergy with lawmakers is critical for effective oversight, improved transparency, and for easing national tensions arising from perceived marginalization.
Oladele noted that the Commission faces funding constraints in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities, including monitoring over 700 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and maintaining offices in all 36 states and the FCT.
He urged the legislature to support reforms, joint enlightenment programs, and enhanced budgetary support to enable the Commission to fulfill its constitutional mandate effectively
Oladele however said that some agencies of government and some state government were not working in agreement with the commission in carrying out is assigned mandate is ensuring unity in the country.
He sought legislative backing in reviewing and amending relevant establishment Act to grant the Commission greater autonomy in enforcement and sanctions, including digital monitoring, recruitment audits, and enforcement mechanisms as well as the expansion of its constitutional mandates to include the monitoring and enforcement of all civil rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.
He also asked the parliament to assist the agency in terms of budgetary allocation to fund its activities and be in a better position to discharge its constitutional mandate.
