Federal Character Commission must ensure fairness, merit in FG job recruitment — Ex-lawmaker

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The leadership of the Federal Character Commission has been urged to strengthen mechanisms that will prevent manipulation of recruitment processes to fill Federal Government job vacancies.

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The Commission was also implored to resist pressure from influential Nigerians, and ensure transparency and equal access to the FG’s employment opportunities by qualified and interested Nigerians.

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This was disclosed by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, in a statement obtained in Osogbo, the state capital. on Sunday.

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The former lawmaker, in his admonition for the newly appointed Chairman of the commission, Ayo Omidiran, implored her to sustain efforts towards making transparency a strong part of the FCC operations. This , he said, would help to restore public confidence.

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He charged Omidiran to confront intimidation and harassment that may come her way in the course of acting in line with the confidence reposed in her by President Bola Tinubu for the assignment.

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According to him, FCC must continue to demonstrate a new approach to commitment towards building a commission where merit, fairness and the principles of federal character will be adopted in managing employment opportunities in the civil and public service.

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He noted that the FCC occupied a strategic position in Nigeria’s public sector, given its constitutional responsibility to promote equitable distribution of opportunities and ensure that no section of the country was unfairly disadvantaged.

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He, however, said that the commission, under Omidiran, a former federal lawmaker representing the Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, has
ndemonstrated a clear shift from the old ways, having shown understanding regarding frustrations of many qualified Nigerians seeking employment opportunities with the FG, among others.n

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He said, “With the repositioning of the FCC, Nigerians should be hopeful that the commission would listen to their concerns and remain committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities.”

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Oyintiloye also implored the FCC leadership to “strengthen mechanisms that would prevent manipulation of recruitment processes, and ensure that qualified and interested citizens from every part of Nigeria have fair opportunity to serve.

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“What Nigerians need is a commission where opportunities are not determined by connections, inducement or other improper considerations, but through a transparent process that respects federal character, fairness and merit.

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“This kind of institutional transformation experience deserves commendation and support by all stakeholders.”

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He expressed confidence that sustained reforms under Omidiran would make the FCC a stronger, more credible and people-centred institution.

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Oyintiloye also urged Nigerian job seekers and other stakeholders to take advantage of employment opportunities in government agencies during recruitment exercises.

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