By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), marking a major step toward revitalising the nation’s equity and inclusion watchdog. Alongside her confirmation, 37 nominees were approved to serve as Commissioners representing the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The confirmation followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, chaired by Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (Rivers East). The committee had screened the nominees on November 13 in line with the Senate’s directive.
Presenting the report, Senator Onyesoh said all nominees appeared before the panel and were found to possess the qualifications, competence, and legal requirements for the positions.
“The committee did not receive any criminal petitions against any of the nominees. They submitted all required documentation and demonstrated capacity for the roles they were nominated to occupy,” he said.
He explained that the vetting process included a review of their curriculum vitae, clearance certificates from the Code of Conduct Bureau, police and DSS reports, and other eligibility documents, alongside individual presentations and a detailed question-and-answer session. The nominees, he stated, were “eminently qualified”.
Earlier, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion for the chamber to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole for a clause-by-clause consideration of the nominees. Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewumi praised the calibre of the appointees, noting their broad professional and international exposure.
“From their résumés, they have held various positions locally and internationally. I thank Mr President for finding them worthy,” he said, also applauding the nomination of Omidiran, a two-term former House of Representatives member.
Announcing the Senate’s decision, Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed Hon. Omidiran as FCC Chairman and approved the 37 others as Commissioners representing the states and the FCT. He commended Senator Onyesoh for the “painstakingly exceptional” diligence demonstrated during the screening exercise.
The confirmation represents a significant milestone in reconstituting the FCC, the agency mandated to promote equity, fairness, and balanced distribution of public offices and national resources among Nigeria’s federating units.