Oyintiloye urges FCC to resist pressure, ensure transparency in federal jobs

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged the Federal Character Commission, FCC, to resist pressure from influential Nigerians and ensure transparency in the distribution of federal government employment opportunities.

Oyintiloye made the call while speaking with journalists in Osogbo, Osun State, on Sunday, urging the commission to ensure that qualified Nigerians have equal access to employment opportunities in the public service.

He called on the newly appointed Chairman of the FCC, Ayo Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State, to sustain efforts towards making the commission’s operations more transparent.

The former lawmaker also urged Omidiran to confront any intimidation or harassment that might arise in the course of carrying out her responsibilities, stressing the need for her to uphold the confidence reposed in her by President Bola Tinubu.

According to Oyintiloye, “the FCC must adopt a renewed commitment to building a commission where merit, fairness and the principles of federal character guide the management of employment opportunities across the public service.”

He noted that the commission occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s public sector because of its constitutional responsibility to promote equitable distribution of opportunities and ensure that no section of the country is unfairly disadvantaged.

Oyintiloye said the commission, under its new leadership, had demonstrated a shift from previous approaches, adding that Omidiran’s experience in public service and other sectors could help address the frustrations faced by qualified Nigerians seeking government employment.

The APC chieftain said the new leadership had shown a willingness to address concerns surrounding the recruitment process and urged the commission to sustain its efforts towards improving transparency and institutional effectiveness.

He commended the FCC for acknowledging concerns about fairness in recruitment and allegations of corrupt practices, describing the openness as an important step towards institutional reform and the restoration of public confidence.

“With the repositioning of the FCC, Nigerians should be hopeful that the commission would listen to their concerns and remain committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities,” Oyintiloye said.

He also urged the commission to strengthen mechanisms capable of preventing manipulation of recruitment processes and ensure that qualified citizens from all parts of Nigeria have a fair opportunity to serve in government.

“What Nigerians need is a commission where opportunities are not determined by connections, inducement or other improper considerations, but through a transparent process that respects federal character, fairness and merit,” he said.

Oyintiloye expressed confidence that sustained reforms under Omidiran would make the FCC a stronger, more credible and people-centred institution, while urging job seekers and other stakeholders to take advantage of employment opportunities advertised by government agencies during recruitment exercises.