President Bola Tinubu has called on local government chairmen across Nigeria to uphold the
principles of fairness, equity and inclusiveness in governance, stressing that grassroots
leadership plays a critical role in strengthening national unity and development.
The President made the call in Abuja during a workshop organised by the Federal Character
Commission (FCC) for local government chairmen from across the country.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George
Akume, Tinubu urged council leaders to ensure that appointments, administrative decisions
and the distribution of opportunities and resources reflect the diversity of the communities
they serve.
According to the President, Nigeria’s cultural, ethnic and religious diversity should be
regarded as a source of strength rather than division.
He noted that the Federal Character principle, which is enshrined in Section 14(4) of the 1999
Constitution, provides a framework for ensuring that all segments of society are fairly
represented in governance and public institutions.
Tinubu emphasised that local government chairmen occupy a strategic position in promoting
social harmony because they operate closest to the people and are often the first point of
contact between citizens and government.
He charged them to make inclusiveness, transparency and accountability central to their
leadership style.
“You must embody the principles of fairness in appointments, transparency in administration
and balance in the distribution of opportunities and resources,” the President stated.
He further urged council chairmen to avoid sectional interests and embrace policies that
promote unity, equal opportunity and peaceful coexistence among residents of their various
local government areas.
According to him, equitable governance can help reduce social tensions, improve public trust
in government institutions and create an environment that supports economic growth and
innovation.
The workshop was organised to strengthen understanding of the Federal Character principle
and encourage its effective implementation at the grassroots level.
Participants were also encouraged to adopt governance approaches that ensure all groups
within their communities feel represented and included in decision-making processes.
Observers say the call comes at a time when issues of representation, inclusion and equitable
access to opportunities remain central to conversations about governance and national
cohesion in Nigeria.
