By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Peter Eze, has pledged to champion fair representation for the state in federal institutions while supporting reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, equity and national unity in Nigeria’s public service.
Eze made the pledge while receiving members of the Association of Enugu State journalists who where on a curtesy visit at his office in Abuja. He also called on Nigerians to support ongoing reforms in the Federal Character Commission designed to ensure fairness in recruitment and national representation.
Welcoming the delegation, the commissioner described associations as powerful platforms that unite people and strengthen collective identity, noting that community organisations play an important role in promoting cooperation and development.
“I’m happy that Enugu Journalists has an association like this. In every part of the world people cherish associations because they bring people together and unite their minds toward common goals,” Eze said.
He explained that although the Federal Character Commission had in the past received limited public attention, the current leadership of the commission is working to reposition the institution and ensure that Nigerians feel the impact of the federal character principle.
According to him, the commission under the able leadership of its Executive Chairman, Hon. Hulayat Omidiran, has embarked on reforms aimed at improving compliance with federal character provisions and ensuring equitable representation of all states and regions in government institutions.
“The current leadership is working very hard to reshape and reform the commisson. We are paying attention to technology-driven compliance to ensure that Nigerians truly feel the impact of the federal character principle,” he said.
Eze stressed that when every part of the country feels fairly represented, national unity will be strengthened and grievances over marginalisation will gradually diminish.
“If Nigerians feel the impact of federal character principles, issues of disunity and complaints about marginalisation will reduce because every region and every state will feel carried along,” he added.
Speaking on his mandate as Enugu State’s representative at the commission, the commissioner said he considered the assignment a major responsibility and vowed to ensure that the state receives fair treatment in federal appointments and opportunities.
“I plan to represent Enugu State in such a way that when next you hear about the Enugu representative, you will remember Peter Eze,” he said.
“I will make sure that what belongs to Enugu State will not only come to Enugu people, but that they will get even beyond what they deserve.”
He disclosed that he had already begun reviewing federal agencies where the state appears underrepresented, noting that efforts are underway to correct imbalances and improve awareness among young people about opportunities within the federal system.
“I am paying close attention to agencies where our people are underrepresented and we will make sure that our people are properly represented. At the same time, we are sensitising our people to participate more actively in opportunities available across the country,” he said.
Eze also expressed concern over the low participation of people from the South-East in security sector recruitment, including the ongoing police recruitment exercise, saying awareness campaigns would be intensified to encourage more applicants from the region.
“Our people must understand that the police and other security services are important national institutions. If our people do not apply or participate, we cannot later complain about underrepresentation,” he noted.
Responding to concerns about alleged job racketeering in government recruitment processes, Eze assured that the current leadership of the commission is determined to eliminate such practices.
“This commission has zero tolerance for selling of jobs or manipulation of recruitment processes. We are determined to correct the anomalies of the past,” he said.
He explained that the commission is pushing for wider advertisement of vacancies in Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure transparency and give all qualified Nigerians equal opportunity to compete.
“When jobs are properly advertised, people will apply based on interest and competence. That is the only way to ensure fairness and professionalism in public service recruitment,” he added.
Beyond his official responsibilities at the commission, Eze said he remains committed to supporting development initiatives in Enugu State, including infrastructure and human capacity development.
He revealed that he is currently constructing a 2.5-kilometre road linking three communities in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, noting that the project would improve connectivity and benefit both residents and visitors to the area.
“I am passionate about the development of our people. That is why I am building a road linking three communities in my local government area. Development benefits not only the indigenes but everyone who passes through the area,” he said.
The commissioner also disclosed that he had facilitated several international opportunities for Nigerians, including training programmes and scholarships abroad.
“So far, at least eleven people have gone to China for seminars through my facilitation, and I have also helped secure scholarships for people in Venezuela and some American universities. These programmes are fully sponsored,” he said.
He emphasized that while such initiatives may not fall directly under the jurisdiction of the Federal Character Commission, he considers them part of his personal commitment to empowering young people and promoting development.
Members of the visiting association commended the commissioner for his commitment to national development and urged him to remain firm in defending the interests of Enugu State and the South-East in federal appointments and opportunities.
Responding to concerns about perceived marginalisation in some federal institutions, Eze assured the delegation that the commission is determined to enforce fairness across government agencies.
“What I can assure you is that it will not be business as usual. We are determined to make improvements from whatever had been happening before,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to support the commission by providing constructive criticism and public engagement that would help strengthen accountability and transparency in federal institutions.
