Omidiran assumes office as Executive Chairman FCC

*Says era of job racketeering over

By Jude Opara, Abuja

Hon. Motunrayo Hulayat Omidiran on Thursday formally assumed office as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), with a stern warning that the era of job racketeering was over.

Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives who spoke while addressing members of the board, management and staff of the FCC shortly after her inauguration by President Bola Tinubu said it is disturbing that public perception of the Commission is at its lowest ebb.

She vowed that every stakeholder must be seen to be putting in their best to change the narrative, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

“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.

“May, I at this juncture advise our partners and stakeholders that for too long, the Commission and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been circumventing the system. It is therefore, not going to be business as usual, the era of blanket waivers will 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”.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu for finding them worthy for the assignment, the Executive Chairman charged the board and management not to betray the trust reposed on them by the government and people of Nigeria.

“I charge you not to let the confidences reposed on us by Mr. President and our respective states to falter away. I look forward to working with you in the next five years in harmony with a collective desire to bring change”.

Omidiran regretted that the role of the Commission which was spelt out when it was founded about 30 years ago has continued to be jettisoned.

“Overtime and quite regrettable is that the role of the Commission which was made to play in promoting those virtues of fairness, equity and justice has been eroded, requiring a surgical rebirth. We must rekindle the hope of Nigerians in this vital institution in order to bring back hope and aspiration of our beloved people”.

The Executive Chairman also revealed that in the coming few days, her administration will be unveiling its five years strategic plan to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

The highlight of the brief meeting was the inauguration of the 5th board of the FCC by the Executive Chairman.