By Grace Abe
President Bola Tinubu has called on the 774 Local Government Chairmen to promote equity and inclusion in grassroots governance.
Tinubu made the call on Monday at a two-day workshop organised by the Federal Character Commission (FCC), in partnership with the All Progressives Governors Forum, in Abuja.
The President was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume.
He urged the chairmen to ensure that governance at the grassroots was inclusive, representative and equitable, particularly in appointments and distribution of opportunities.
“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.
“By doing so, you strengthen trust in government and reinforce national unity,” he said.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s diversity remained one of its greatest endowments, adding that its multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities and beliefs must be managed through fairness.
“Our multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs forms a vibrant national tapestry that must be carefully managed through fairness, justice, and inclusiveness.
“This further emphasises the importance of promoting a sense of belonging and loyalty among all Nigerians.
“This is fundamental to the stability, unity, and progress of our nation,” he said.
The President said constitutional provisions underscored the need to reflect Nigeria’s diversity in government composition and conduct, particularly at state and local government levels.
According to him, the FCC has continued to play a critical role in safeguarding equity and ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.
He charged the chairmen to rise above sectional interests and embrace a broader national perspective that prioritises unity over division and inclusiveness over exclusion..
Declaring the event open, the President commended the FCC for organising the workshop and its dedication to promoting national integration.
He said the workshop’s theme, “Translating Federal Character Principles into Local Governance: Bridging Policy and Practice,” was both apt and compelling.
According to him, the theme went beyond theoretical understanding and focused on practical implementation of Federal Character principles at the grassroots.
The FCC Executive Chairman, Mrs Hulayat Omidiran, said Local Government Councils remained the bedrock of governance at the grassroots.
Omidiran said effective governance at the national level was often determined by the strength, stability and responsiveness of local government administration.
She said councils were uniquely positioned to foster peaceful coexistence among people of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.
The FCC boss said equitable opportunities, fair representation, inclusive leadership and community engagement could strengthen citizens’ trust and reinforce national integration.(NAN)(www.nannews.