Called Federal Character, “Conscience of the Nation”
By Linus Udoma
The Federal Character Commissioner Rt. Hon. Eunice Thomas, who was appointed to represent Akwa Ibom State in the Federal Character Commission, has thrown her weight behind the president. She expressed credible and meaningful support for President Tinubu as she was received by Federal Character staff in the Akwa Ibom State office in Uyo. She gave a reliable assurance that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is for the progress of Nigerians and that the future of citizens will not be mortgaged but rather will continue to bear fruit in our democracy.
In her address, she quoted from the philosophy of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics on the idea of trying very hard to act a certain way, which eventually does shape one’s true character. The concept that shapes the idea, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit,” she said.
She spoke very extensively on the Federal Character Principle, which is backed by constitutional policy (sections 14.3 & 14.4 of the 1999 constitution) and designed to ensure equitable representation of all ethnic, cultural, and religious groups in public service appointments and socioeconomic amenities. “If we strive to fully implement the Federal Character Principle, Nigeria will be more united and peaceful,” she affirmed.
Speaking during the reception, the commissioner expressed satisfaction over the staff effort on service delivery despite the poor working condition. She promised to put up motivational factors to sustain the office and to enable the staff to have good working conditions.
She reiterated the fatherly support of the Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and his unwavering commitment to making good laws to strengthen productivity in civil service. She praised Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda, especially for definitely complying with the Federal Character Principle in his widespread appointments and distribution of amenities across the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom State.
She explained that her appointment was a demonstration of trust from key political figures, she pledged not to disappoint those who believe in her capacity.\
” I thank them for believing in me; by the special grace of God, I will not let them down,” she assured.
In the same related development, the FCC Akwa Ibom State office’s new director, Mr. Chukwudi Christopher Chizea, at the reception described Rt. Hon. Eunice Thomas as a valuable asset, stating that having examined her profile, he found her to be a great woman whose experience and political pedigree would help to rebrand the FCC Uyo Office: “With your leadership, we are confident that this office will overcome its challenges as we pledge our full loyalty and support to you,” he stated.
The high point of the event was the presentation of a significant portrait by the director to the commissioner on behalf of the staff. The occasion concluded with the sparkling optimism among the staff with a sincere renewed share of commitments to advancing the mandate of the Federal Character Commission in promoting equity and fairness above all national unity.
