Tinubu tasks LG chairmen on inclusive governance, accountability

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed Local Government Chairmen across Nigeria to put federal character principles into practice, emphasizing inclusive and equitable governance at the grassroots level. Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu highlighted the importance of national governance's impact on citizens at the community level during the Federal Character Commission's national workshop for local government chairmen in Abuja.

The two-day event, themed "Translating Federal Character Principles into Local Governance: Bridging Policy and Practice," gathered chairmen, government officials, security agencies, and stakeholders to enhance the implementation of federal character, inclusive governance, and grassroots development.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria's diversity is its greatest asset, stressing the need for managing its multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs through fairness, justice, and inclusion. He underscored the critical role of local government councils as the closest interface between citizens and the state, emphasizing that policies need effective translation into action on the ground.

Tinubu urged local government leaders to set aside sectional interests and adopt a broader national perspective that prioritizes unity over division, and inclusiveness over exclusion.

Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, revealed that the workshop aims to strengthen the link between federal character, grassroots governance, and national integration. She described the gathering as a timely intervention focused on reinforcing unity, fairness, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

Omidiran emphasized that ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversities should be seen as valuable strengths that drive national growth when managed with equity, justice, and sincerity of purpose.

The Federal Character Commission's Chairman stressed the unique position of local governments in managing community diversity through equitable opportunities, fair representation, inclusive leadership, and meaningful citizen engagement. She affirmed that Nigeria's future depends on the collective commitment to promote justice over prejudice, unity over division, and national interest over personal or sectional concerns.

Folorunso S. Aluko, representing the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, praised the FCC's collaboration with the PGF on the initiative. Aluko highlighted local government as the primary point of citizen-government interaction, stressing that functioning primary healthcare centers, accessible roads, improved sanitation, and support for vulnerable citizens demonstrate effective governance.

He emphasized that greater authority demands higher standards of transparency, merit-based appointments, procurement integrity, audit compliance, and meaningful citizen engagement.