President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described local government councils as occupying a strategic position in Nigeria’s governance architecture, being the closest tier of government to the people.
He, however, urged the council bosses across the country to manage the country’s diversity and ensure representative governance and the principle of federal character in administration.
He gave the charge yesterday in Abuja in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at a workshop organised by the Federal Character Commission for local government chairmen.
“As the closest tier of government to the people, they serve as the primary interface between citizens and the state. The actions and decisions taken at this level have immediate and tangible impacts on the daily lives of our people .
“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.”
Tinubu noted such an approach would strengthen public confidence in government and reinforce national unity.
The President, who spoke on the theme, “Translating Federal Character Principles into Local Governance: Bridging Policy and Practice,” said diversity is one of Nigeria’s greatest assets.
He said governance at the third tier level should be inclusive and equitable.
“Our multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs forms a vibrant national tapestry that must be carefully managed through fairness, justice, and inclusiveness,” he said.
He urged the council chairmen to uphold fairness, equity and inclusiveness in appointments, administration and distribution of resources.
Tinubu explained that the principle of Federal Character, as enshrined in Section 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, provided an institutional and moral framework for reflecting the diversity of Nigerians in government.
“This constitutional provision underscores the necessity of reflecting the diversity of our people in the composition and conduct of government at all levels, particularly at the state and local government tiers,” the president said.
He stressed that the principle was fundamental to promoting a sense of belonging and loyalty among Nigerians, which was critical to the stability, unity and progress of the country.
He, however, commended the federal character commission for recognisingthe importance of the third tier of government as a vital component in the realisation of federal character principles.
He also admonished them to eschew sectional interests and embrace a broader national perspective that prioritises unity over division and inclusiveness over exclusion.
In addition, he noted that laws and institutions alone could not achieve the desired outcomes without visionary leadership, ethical conduct and deliberate commitment.
Tinubu linked inclusive governance to national development, saying representation and fairness could strengthen social cohesion and create an environment conducive to economic growth and innovation.
“When every segment of society feels represented and valued, social cohesion is strengthened, conflicts are minimised, and the environment becomes conducive for economic growth and innovation,” he said.
Olawale Ajimotokan
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