Reps laments FG’s lopsided appointments

The House of Representatives, yesterday, lamented lopsided appointment of people from a particular zone of the country into leadership positions, saying the development is a clear violation of the nation’s constitution.

The House drew the Federal Government’s attention to what it described as “unfair, unjust and inequitable contravention of the provisions of the constitution, in appointing both the Chairperson and Secretary of the Federal Character Commission from a particular zone of the country (North).”

During plenary, Unyime Idem, representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, said the development was not healthy for the nation’s unity.

Recall that the current Secretary of the Commission was appointed as substantive Secretary in March 2017. Although his tenure was expected to end on April 7, 2021, he was re-appointed by the President on April 7, 2021.

The lawmaker said the House was aware that the “current Chairman of the Commission is from the Northern part of the country and the re-appointed Secretary is also from the Northern part of the country, which is in flagrant violation of Section 14 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as Amended.”

He noted that Section 14 (3) stipulates that the composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as reflects the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity.

“Unfortunately, these unambiguous provisions of our laws were disregarded, despite the complaints of Nigerians, thus, threatening continued existence as a united nation,” he said.

The House, therefore, unanimously mandated the Committee on Federal Character to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions on the issue.