Tinubu to LG Chairmen: Put Fairness, Inclusion Above Politics

"The future of Nigeria’s democracy depended significantly on the strength, fairness and inclusiveness of local institutions." Tinubu

.... Urges the participants to commit themselves to the ideals of the workshop.

Nigeria's President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday in Abuja, the nation's capital, charged chairmen of local government councils across the country to prioritise fairness, equity and inclusiveness in appointments, administration and distribution of resources.

Tinubu gave the charge while declaring open a workshop organised by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) for local government chairmen.

The workshop, themed “Translating Federal Character Principles into Local Governance: Bridging Policy and Practice,” was aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Federal Character principle at the grassroots.

President Tinubu, who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Nigeria’s cultural, ethnic and religious diversity remained one of the country’s greatest assets, which must be managed through fairness, justice and inclusion.

He said the Federal Character principle, enshrined in Section 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, provided both a constitutional and moral framework for ensuring that the diversity of Nigerians was reflected in government at all levels, particularly at the state and local government tiers.

According to him, adherence to the principle was essential to fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty among citizens, thereby strengthening national unity and stability.

Tinubu described local governments as strategically important to Nigeria’s governance structure because they constitute the closest tier of government to the people.

He therefore urged council chairmen to make inclusiveness, transparency and equitable distribution of opportunities the hallmarks of their administration.

“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,” he said.

The President warned that laws and institutions alone could not guarantee effective implementation of Federal Character principles, stressing the need for visionary leadership, ethical conduct and deliberate commitment by those entrusted with public office.

He urged the chairmen to rise above sectional interests and embrace a national outlook that would promote unity and inclusion.

Tinubu further said inclusive governance would enhance social cohesion, minimise conflicts and create an environment conducive to 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 FCC for recognising the local government as a critical component in the implementation of Federal Character principles, describing the workshop as an opportunity for council chairmen to develop practical strategies for embedding fairness and representation in grassroots administration.

The President said the future of Nigeria’s democracy depended significantly on the strength, fairness and inclusiveness of local institutions, and urged the participants to commit themselves to the ideals of the workshop.

He formally declared the workshop open and commended the Federal Character Commission for its commitment to promoting national integration.