The Senate has promised to expose Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that violate the federal character system of recruitment.
Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character, made this statement at an investigative hearing on May 14, 2024.
Onyesoh emphasised the importance of the Federal Character Principle, saying, “As enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Federal Character Principle is fundamental to our national cohesion.”
He added that the principle mandated governance to reflect the diversity of the federation, preventing domination by any one group or region.
The senator noted that systemic abuse and ineffective enforcement have led to marginalization and discontent.
He proposed urgent reforms, including a Federal Character Compliance Tribunal to address violations.
“This committee will pursue the federal character mandate through rigorous investigative hearings, interactive sessions, and, where necessary, on-the-spot assessments,” Onyesoh said.
Onyesoh stressed that the approach was corrective, not punitive, aimed at fostering accountability, reinforce equity, and restore trust in national institutions.
He called on stakeholders, MDAs, civil society, and the public to support the process, warning that the committee would invoke its constitutional powers if necessary.
Also, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Simon Lalong, said that agencies such as the Federal Character Commission, Federal Civil Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, National Pension Commission, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wouldl face investigation.
The Federal Character principle, enshrined in Section 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, aims to promote national unity, loyalty, and a sense of belonging for all citizens by ensuring the composition of government and its agencies reflects the country’s diversity.
The Senate had mandated its Committee on Federal Character to investigate violations of this principle across various MDAs.
