… Hosts Federal Character Commission Team
The Chairman, Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Mr. Kamal Bayewu, has called on politicians to be conscientious whenever they are appointed into political posts, irrespective of their political alignment.
He made the call during the courtesy visit of the Management team of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) led by the Commissioner representing Lagos State, Mr. Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, to his office recently.
While thanking the visiting team for the enlightenment on the mandates and responsibilities of the Federal Character Commission, Bayewu observed with dismay the low quota reserved for Lagos indigenes in the employment schemes and low representation at all federal institutions.
The Chairman noted that the Local Government Service Commission has been complying with all the dictates of the Federal Character Commission in all appointments, including that of the Council Managers.
The leader of the team, Mr. Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah informed that the decree establishing the Commission was enacted during the administration of Late General Sani Abacha and entrenched in the 1999 Nigeria Constitution.
He explained the responsibilities of the Commission, reiterating that the aim was to show a sense of belonging and engage everybody to render effective service to the people. Bawa-Allah also assured the Chairman (LGSC) that the Federal Character Commission is prepared and ready to work with the Commission so that the diversity, unity and growth of the Local Government in Lagos State are entrenched.
Soliciting the assistance of the LGSC in obtaining the accurate nominal roll of the LGAs & LCDAs, Bawa-Allah observed that in the last three years less than 50% of the LGAs & LCDAs submitted their full nominal rolls, thereby making assessment and prompt funding of the third tier of government very difficult.
The Permanent Secretary (LGSC), Mr. Biodun Bamgboye, said the FCC should avail the Commission of the list of LGs and LCDAs that defaulted on the submission of full nominal rolls, promising to ensure compliance by the defaulting authorities.
Bamgboye averred that the Federal Character Commission needs to do more, particularly on the slots of Lagosians being utilised by others at the Federal level, and should be ready to collaborate with the Lagos State Government on the matter.
The Director, Lagos State Office (FCC), Mr. Ademola Awojide, remarked that the Federal Character Commission was established to enforce Federal Character Principle, emphasising that it is the distinctive desire for the people of Nigeria to have national unity, foster loyalty while giving every citizen a sense of belonging irrespective of religion, ethnic group and tribe.
He, however, revealed that Quota System was not given a constitutional backing which explains why it was never enforced.
Other dignitaries present at the meeting include Engr. Abiodun Orekoya, Commissioner, Ikorodu Division; Mr. Hakeem Bamgbola, Commissioner, Lagos Division; Mr. Ahmed Seriki, Commissioner, Epe Division, Mr. Taofeek Adaranijo, Commissioner, Ikeja Division; Management staff of Local Government Service Commission and Local Government Establishment, Training & Pension, among others.
