Tinubu withdraws appointment of government official
President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn the appointment of Obinna Oriaku as Abia state’s representative on the Federal Character Commission (FCC).
No reason was given for the withdrawal.
Tinubu proposed Victor Ikeji as replacement.
The request for Ikeji’s confirmation was sent to the Senate and read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The president’s letter stated that the nomination follows the provision of section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Tinubu asked the Senate to consider and approve Ikeji’s appointment to the commission.
The Senate referred the letter to the committee on federal character and inter-governmental relations, directing the panel to examine the nomination and report back within one week.
Oriaku, who previously served as Abia’s commissioner for finance, had already completed the Senate confirmation process before his removal.
The former commissioner said he was neither informed nor consulted about the change and expressed surprise at seeing his name replaced.
He described the situation as a reminder that speaking truthfully, promoting fairness, and challenging entrenched interests in public service can have personal costs.
Oriaku also said that a petition from a state agency or the government may have contributed to the decision.
Despite the replacement, Oriaku stated that he remains committed to advocating for good governance and continuing his interventions on issues affecting Abia state.
He acknowledged that appointments are at the discretion of the President and expressed respect for the decision while maintaining his stance on matters of public interest.
