A cross section of political leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and stakeholders in the South-East have commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mr Peter Eze as a Federal Character Commission (FCC) Commissioner.
The announcement of Eze’s appointment, alongside 36 other commissioners across the federation, was made recently by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
The commendations are contained in separate statements issued by the groups which copies were made available to newsmen in Abakaliki on Thursday.
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, congratulated the new commissioners from the South-East.
The South-East FCC appointees included; Mr Obinna Oriaku (Abia), Mr Peter Eze (Enugu), Mr Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo), Mrs Gloria Nnoli (Anambra) and Mr Vincent Nwokpor (Ebonyi) respectively.
Otti described the FCC as a vital institution for ensuring balance in Nigeria’s governance structure.
He urged the appointees to serve with patriotism, integrity and responsibility; pledging his administration’s readiness to provide moral and institutional support to ensure their success.
In her reaction, Mrs Promise Ajih, APC House of Representatives candidate for Udenu/Igbo-Eze North Federal Constituency in the 2023/2024 rerun, said the appointment was “a proud moment” for Aji community, Igboeze North and Enugu State.
She expressed confidence that Eze would serve with integrity and vision.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, described the appointment as timely and merit-based, noting Eze’s combination of technical competence, leadership skills and emotional intelligence.
The National Conscience Alliance (NCA), through its National Coordinator, Dr Nuhu Abubakar, and Secretary General, Mr Sixtus Anayo, said the appointment reflected the President’s responsiveness to calls for greater youth representation in governance.
Similarly, Mazi Ezenwa Onyirimba, National Director of the Youth and Students Council of the APC, said the appointment of Eze validated the President’s promise of a youth-inclusive government.
Another body, “The Orji Uzor Kalu Grassroots Movement for President Tinubu” led by Alhaji Muritala Mohamed and Dr Ejike Nwangwu, described Eze as “a symbol of new energy” in governance.
Chief Paschal Mbawuike, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paschal Mbawuike & Co. Worldwide, in a message commended the President for making what he called a “noble choice” in Eze.
The stakeholders were unanimous that Eze’s appointment would bring innovation; vibrancy fairness and youthful energy to the FCC’s work.
Freedomonline reports that Eze, an economist, public administrator and business leader from Enugu Ezike, Igboeze North LGA, has served as Special Assistant to Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission.
Freedomonline also reports that FCC was established to promote fairness, equity and balanced representation in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic opportunities across Nigeria’s federating units.
