President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged local government chairmen across Nigeria to promote fairness, equity and inclusiveness in appointments, administration and the distribution of public resources.
The President gave the directive on Monday in Abuja while declaring open a workshop organised by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) for local government chairmen across the country.
Tinubu’s keynote address was delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The workshop, themed “Translating Federal Character Principles into Local Governance: Bridging Policy and Practice,” was designed to strengthen the implementation of the Federal Character principle at the grassroots level.
Tinubu: Diversity Must Be Managed With Justice
The President described Nigeria’s cultural, ethnic and religious diversity as a major national asset, stressing that it must be managed through fairness, justice and inclusion.
He said the Federal Character principle, provided for under Section 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, offers both a constitutional and moral framework for ensuring that Nigeria’s diversity is reflected in government at all levels.
According to Tinubu, adherence to the principle is essential to promoting a sense of belonging and loyalty among citizens, which he identified as important to national unity and stability.
He particularly emphasised the role of local governments, describing them as the tier of government closest to the people and the primary point of contact between citizens and the state.
“You, as Local Government Chairmen, carry the immense responsibility of ensuring that governance is inclusive, representative, and equitable.”
Tinubu urged the council chairmen to ensure fairness in appointments, transparency in administration and balance in the allocation of opportunities and resources.
President Warns Against Sectional Interests
The President cautioned the chairmen against allowing sectional interests to influence governance, urging them instead to adopt a broader national outlook.
He said laws and institutions alone could not guarantee effective implementation of Federal Character principles without ethical leadership, commitment and responsible conduct.
Tinubu said inclusive governance could also contribute to economic development by strengthening social cohesion, reducing conflicts and creating an environment where innovation and economic activities can thrive.
“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.”
Workshop to Strengthen Grassroots Governance
The President described the workshop as an opportunity for local government leaders to deepen their understanding of Federal Character principles and develop practical approaches for applying them in their respective councils.
He urged participants to take the discussions seriously and translate the lessons from the workshop into concrete actions at the grassroots.
Tinubu also commended the Federal Character Commission for recognising the importance of local governments in promoting national integration and strengthening inclusive governance.
He concluded by stressing that the future of Nigeria’s democracy would depend significantly on the strength, fairness and inclusiveness of its local institutions.
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