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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has charged local government chairmen across the country to ensure fairness in appointments, transparency in administration and equitable distribution of opportunities and resources at the grassroots.
Tinubu gave the charge yesterday in Abuja in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, at a workshop organised by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) for local government chairmen.
The President said local governments, being the closest tier of government to the people, had a direct and immediate impact on citizens and therefore must make inclusiveness and equity central to their administration. “As the closest tier of government to the people, they serve as the primary interface between citizens and the state. The actions and decisions taken at this level have immediate and tangible impacts on the daily lives of our people.”
He urged the chairmen to ensure that grassroots governance remained inclusive, representative and equitable, stressing that their responsibilities extended beyond the administration of councils to promoting fairness and strengthening citizens’ confidence in government.
“You, as Local Government Chairmen, carry the immense responsibility of ensuring that governance is inclusive, representative, and equitable. You must embody the principles of fairness in appointments, transparency in administration, and balance in the distribution of opportunities and resources,” Tinubu said.
The workshop, themed: “Translating Federal Character Principles into Local Governance: Bridging Policy and Practice,” focused on strengthening the implementation of the Federal Character principle at the grassroots.
Tinubu said the Federal Character principle, enshrined in Section 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, provided an institutional framework for ensuring that Nigeria’s diversity was reflected in government at all levels.
“This constitutional provision underscores the necessity of reflecting the diversity of our people in the composition and conduct of government at all levels, particularly at the state and local government tiers,” he said.
According to him, proper implementation of the principle would promote a sense of belonging and loyalty among Nigerians and contribute to the stability, unity and progress of the country.
The President described Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural and religious diversity as one of its greatest assets, but stressed that it must be managed through fairness, justice and inclusiveness.
“Our multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs forms a vibrant national tapestry that must be carefully managed through fairness, justice, and inclusiveness,” he said.
He also warned the chairmen against allowing sectional interests to undermine the broader national interest.
“You must rise above sectional interests and embrace a broader national perspective that prioritises unity over division and inclusiveness over exclusion,” he said.
Tinubu said inclusive governance could strengthen social cohesion, minimise conflicts and create conditions for economic growth and innovation.
“When every segment of society feels represented and valued, social cohesion is strengthened, conflicts are minimised, and the environment becomes conducive for economic growth and innovation,” he said.
He commended the Federal Character Commission for recognising local governments as a vital component in the implementation of Federal Character principles.
The President, however, said laws and institutions alone could not guarantee fairness and inclusion without visionary leadership, ethical conduct and deliberate commitment from those entrusted with public office.
He urged the participants to use the workshop to deepen their understanding of Federal Character principles and develop practical strategies for applying them in their respective councils.
“The future of our democracy depends significantly on the strength, fairness, and inclusiveness of our local institutions,” Tinubu said.
He formally declared the workshop open and commended the Federal Character Commission for its commitment to promoting national integration.
