Editor
The Senate is contemplating imposing more severe penalties to combat job racketeering, non-compliance with federal character principles in job recruitment, and other violations of the Nigerian constitution.
This revelation was made on Tuesday by Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, following a critical meeting with the Chairperson and management of the Federal Character Commission.
Senator Onyesoh expressed concern that Nigeria is currently on the brink of a crisis, with people reacting emotionally to issues, rather than delving deep into them. He noted that Nigerians have become accustomed to superficially addressing matters through social media, without any thorough investigation or clarification.
This trend is extremely perilous and has the potential to spark unrest. A seemingly innocuous statement, such as rumors of secretive employment practices, can easily incite conflict.
The FCC’s jurisdiction encompasses these matters, and the committee believes it is essential to hold discussions with the commission to ensure transparency and clarity in their operations. The aim is to foster openness and accountability.
Senator Onyesoh underscored that the fundamental purpose of the federal character policy is to promote unity, fairness, and equity, emphasizing that these ideals cannot be achieved if individuals feel marginalized or excluded.
To uphold the integrity of the system, imposing sanctions is imperative. The committee is contemplating stricter penalties to enforce accountability, as it derives its authority from the constitution.
During the meeting, Dr. Muheeba Farida Dankaka, the Executive Chairperson of the FCC, refuted allegations of job trading under her leadership, attributing such practices to past mismanagement. She implored the committee to assist the commission in rectifying past errors and securing adequate funding, as their 2024 budget allocation was unexpectedly reduced to zero by the Budget and Planning Office.
