The Nigerian Senate has launched a formal investigation into alleged violations of the federal character principle in the recruitment and appointments carried out by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.

 

The inquiry, which began on Wednesday, featured an interactive session between the Senate Committee on Federal Character and the heads of several key federal agencies.

 

This investigation follows a resolution passed on March 25, based on a motion sponsored by Osita Ngwu, the minority whip and senator representing Enugu West. The federal character principle, as outlined in Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, mandates that public appointments must reflect Nigeria’s diverse composition, thereby promoting inclusiveness and preventing dominance by any single ethnic group or region. The principle is intended to foster national unity, loyalty, and a shared sense of belonging among all citizens.

However, there has been growing public dissatisfaction over the years due to repeated breaches of this principle by several government institutions. These violations have led to allegations of marginalisation and deepened discontent across regions.

 

Allwell Onyesoh, chairman of the committee and senator representing Rivers East, stressed that the committee would carry out a thorough audit of MDAs’ adherence to the federal character provisions. “As enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the federal character principle is fundamental to our national cohesion,” Onyesoh said. “It mandates that governance must reflect the diversity of our federation to prevent domination by any one group or region.”

He lamented the systemic abuse and ineffective enforcement of the principle, noting that it is now “more honoured in the breach than in observance.” Onyesoh also criticised the Federal Character Commission for struggling to enforce compliance, despite having legal authority. He suggested urgent reforms, including the possible establishment of a federal character compliance tribunal to address the violations more effectively.

 

“This committee will pursue its mandate through rigorous investigative hearings, interactive sessions, and, where necessary, on-the-spot assessments,” he said. “Our approach is not punitive but corrective. We aim to foster accountability, reinforce equity, and restore trust in our national institutions.”

 

Onyesoh called for full cooperation from all stakeholders, including MDAs, civil society, and the general public. He warned that the committee would not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 to ensure compliance. “Full cooperation is expected, and the committee will not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 where necessary,” he said.

He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is fully in support of the investigation. “Those aiming to hide behind or under the presidency would be disappointed, as the time to account for their misdeeds has come,” he added.

 

Simon Lalong, vice-chairman of the committee and senator representing Plateau South, affirmed the committee’s resolve to end the abuse of the federal character principle in the interest of national cohesion. He announced that agencies scheduled to appear before the committee from Monday include the Federal Character Commission (FCC), the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Pension Commission (PenCom), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).