By Abubakar Yunusa
The Senate has launched an investigative hearing into the implementation of the Federal Character Principle in public sector recruitment, with lawmakers expressing readiness to amend the existing law to address persistent imbalances.
The inquiry spearheaded by the Senate Committee on Federal Character, aims to scrutinize how federal ministries, departments, and agencies have complied with constitutional provisions mandating equitable representation of all regions in federal appointments.
Speaking during the opening session, the committee chairman issued a stern warning to Chief Executive Officers and heads of invited agencies, cautioning that failure to appear before the panel would attract punitive measures.
Lawmakers underscored that the growing discontent over lopsided recruitment patterns must be addressed through legislative reforms. They vowed to tinker with the Federal Character Act to make it more enforceable and reflective of current realities.
The probe led by the Senate Committee on Federal Character, drew representatives from various government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service to answer questions about their recruitment processes.
Lawmakers unanimously expressed concern over the level of public discontent regarding perceived marginalization, underscoring the need to address the lopsidedness and invoking penalties where necessary.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who represented the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, echoed similar concerns, stressing that lawmakers were under pressure from their constituents.
He noted that many applicants from rural areas are disadvantaged due to lack of internet access and are often unaware when recruitment portals open.
In a pointed comment, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, emphasized the importance of the principle to national cohesion.
According to him, “It’s because of the Federal Character Principle that we have a Vice President from Kanuri and a Chief Whip of the Senate. It must be protected and implemented faithfully”.
