www.nairaland.com/attachments/2594735_judges20150512163441_jpeg43b4b87ff31f16980a08c396a3f6d04a



Dear Nairalander,
Okay, it's here as expected, the grand finale of the Nairaland Interschool Debate 2016.

We don't need much introduction, you can read more on the competition HERE.

We see schools and students warming up for the grand finale of the annual event and some others taking pledges to get the crown this year, but who will take home the winner's price? Who will celebrate the glory like LASU did in the first edition and Funaab did in the second edition? That is a question better left as unknown.

Of course , two schools made it to be final, after fighting several literary demons and struggling through some really deeply rooted woods, but are they out of the woods yet? Obviously no!

The topic to be dealt with in this year's final is obviously interesting, it reads "Should Federal Character Matter in public offices appointment?".

OAU will be on the supporting flank, expectedly looking fierce as they hold their pen to start the battle, while UNILORIN, who are also expected not to be smiling that day, will be in the opposing side of the topic.

The must-not-miss grand finale will take place live right here on Nairaland on the 8th of May, 2016.

Participants should be prepared. Spectators should be on the alert.

As a spectator, you should kindly reserve your data or get ready to get another, reserve your battery or get ready to charge on the day, fore-warn anyone that might want to disturb you on the day, edit your schedule and mark the day a busy one, postpone any other activity that might fall on that day and make sure you tell your friends about the event.

Watchout!!!



www.nairaland.com/attachments/3663638_fynestboipensive_jpeg89e764b3f52e869614bed2cdb0d0f3bc

DEBATE RULES

Kindly read.

1.) The recommended font size is the default size (size 8.) and the colour is the default colour (black).

2.) The essay should be in maximum of 1000 words.

3.) The use of SMS language and abbreviations are strictly forbidden.

4.) All materials used should be properly referenced at the end of the essay.

5.) All essays must be submitted on the stipulated date and time.

6.) Sole representatives are not allowed during the competition, both representatives must be present.

7.) All representatives are to engage in rebuttals and give answers to questions raised by the judges and the audience.

8.) Word counts should be strictly adhered to. http://www.wordcounttool.com/

9.) Mindless lifting is outrightly discouraged

10.) Defaulters will be penalized when caught

DEBATE MODALITIES

5 points to be awarded to each criteria.

1. Presentation (opening, flow, paragraphs, grammar, punctuations, word count, closing,)

2. Logic of arguments

3. Strength of facts, examples, cases.

4. Persuasiveness

5. Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the subject

6. Rebuttals and response to questions raised by the judges and the audience

[size=15pt]COMMENTARY[/size]


[img]http://www.nairaland.com/attachments/1403632_oau-logo_jpegfd792ca2348535d7a50271d82c1b576d[/img]

[size=15pt]OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY
[/size]

OAU: Obafemi Awolowo University also known as Great ife with the motto "For learning and culture" at the inception of Nairaland Interschool Debate, this school had the highest number of Representatives, this displayed much commitment to this cause, OAU is one of the founding schools that have maintained consistency, though lost many chances of lifting the trophy of this debate, notwithstanding they refused to relent and kept on the intellectual stance in all the editions, this school was present for the maiden edition, and they clearly displayed truly that they are great,but ended up in the 3rd position which was the intellectual handiwork of LASU, also this team as well graced the sophomore edition of NISD and yet again ended up in the third position, funny? No school in this intellectual exercise had maintain such feet, if there will be an AWARD for the most consistent TEAM, then with no iota of doubt OAU deserves the Award, However we hope and believe that teamOAU will shift base from what used to be the case to another, having met with the TEAM that displaced them in the first edition, and lo and behold it happened not a reoccurred event, but a change in the story as OAU get pass LASU to the FINALS. Congratulations ....


UNILORIN




TEAM UNILORIN Preferably is one of the newest TEAMS, not really new but this edition is their first time of getting into the Competition, they joined us in the sophomore edition, but couldn't proceed to the group stage, they were sent packing in the essay submission stage, I believe this added to their vibe, which had been a drive that pushed them to this stage, it is not easy from the first stage to this stage, TEAM UNILORIN is also a potential winner, however they will need to prove to us that they can actualize that potentiality of winning as they compete against the "Revenge mission" of TEAM ABU ZARIA, yes they competed against TEAMABUZARIA and they succeeded in displacing them from getting into the final stage.

Check the fixtures for the thread links.
https://www.nairaland.com/2811855/nairaland-interschool-debate-third-edition

[size=16pt]Obafemi Awolowo University(Support) Vs University of Ilorin (Oppose)


Topic: "Should Federal Character Matter in public offices appointment?".
[/size]





[img]http://www.nairaland.com/attachments/1403632_oau-logo_jpegfd792ca2348535d7a50271d82c1b576d[/img]



Obafemi Awolowo University – Popularly known as "Great Ife" is a Federal Government owned and operated Nigerian university. The university is in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The university was founded in 1961 and classes commenced in October 1962 as the University of Ife by the regional government of Western Nigeria, led by late chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, and was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University on 12th May 1987 in honour of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987), first premier of the Western Region of Nigeria, whose brainchild the university was.

Her Vice Chancellor is Professor Idowu Bamitale Omole.

OAU Motto - For Learning and Culture

Let me now present to you the Great Ife's representative.

► Emaculate99
► OAUTemitayo






The University of Ilorin, also known as Unilorin was established by a decree of the Federal Military Government in 1975 and is a federal government owned tertiary institution of education located in Ilorin, Kwara State, western Nigeria. University of Ilorin was one of the seven institutions of higher learning established by a decree of the Federal Military Government in August, 1975.

Vice-chancellor: Professor Abdul Ganiyu Ambali

Motto: Probitas Doctrinas meaning Character and learning.

Meet the Unilorin debaters:

► Mustybura
► Graciousolo
► Tourshaw
► Neyoor

PROCEDURES

6:55pm -- Debaters (OAUtemitayo, Emmaculate99, Tourshaw
Neyoor) and judges (Obinoscopy, Caracta Ishilove) registers presence.

7:00pm – The organizer, Fynestboi declares the debate open.

7:00pm - 7:30pm -- Debaters post their arguments within 30 minutes, maximum word limit is 1000.

7:30pm – 8:30pm – Rebuttals - A debater takes on his opponent’s view, puncturing his or her points - This the debater does by quoting the said comment and then countering it with his or her own views.

8:30pm – 8:40pm – Judges post questions to debaters either on what the debater has posited or revolving around the debate topic, albeit, this is not compulsory, it is acceptable for a judge not to have questions for the debaters... Judges with questions should please be specific as to which debater they are posting their questions to. E.g “Mr X, could you expatiate what you meant by subsidy? or ...., kindly give examples to your claim that the removal of fuel subsidy is justified.

8:40pm – 9:00pm – Debaters respond to questions raised by judges.

9:00pm – 9:20pm – Two questions will be entertained from the audience i.e. viewers and this will be based on ‘fastest fingers’. After the 2 questions, other questions will be attended to after the debate or perhaps, if the debater is free during the debate to respond to them, he or she can do so, however, points will not be awarded after the 2 questions.

9:20pm – 9:30pm – Debaters respond to audience questions and concludes their arguments. Debaters who were not asked any questions can still conclude his/her arguments during this time.

9:30pm – 9:40pm – Judges compile their scores and mail to coordinators with a copy to Nairalandinterschooldebate@gmail.com

9:40pm – 10:00pm - Coordinators announce results, after which the thread will be thrown open for regular Nairaland discussions.

KEEP TAG ON THIS SPACE FOR THE WINNER.

www.nairaland.com/attachments/3660516_win_gif60aa075b27f371379eb4b62ab6be4eff


www.nairaland.com/attachments/3660528_oau_gifa1e6187f9fac154f926fec8bacf9f790

DATE: 8th MAY 2016
TIME: 7PM

CHIEF HOST
Seun GCFR-NL
Mark Zuckergerg of Nigeria
CEO of Nairaland

CHAIRMAN
lalasticlala

CHAIRLADY
Dominique

MODERATOR
Olawalebabs
Fynestboi
Richiez



CHIEF COORDINATOR
Word alone cannot express my profound gratitude towards your support ma, the only thing i can say, is for God to help me attend to all your heartfelt request speedily. I sincerely love and appreciate you.
Luxanne


COORDINATOR
I really appreciate your effort towards the success of this debate. You guys are the best. I honestly love you all
Fattybabakay
Tosyn2much
Dygeasy
Scentmarlc
Aminat508
Naijaboiy
Miscallenous
Honeydear

JUDGES
Thank you so much sirs and mas for your time despite your other offline schedules. Thanks God bless you all.

Hidentity
Obinoscopy
Jarus
Uj sizzle
Caracta
Ishilove
KingTom
Herexg
Xynerize
Adeaks
Larrysun
Isacolukay
Rocktation
Crazyman
Joseph1832
Ask4bigneyo
Tonyebarcanista
FreemanDave
Naijadeyhia

[size=18pt]NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE WINNERs.[/size]


[size=18pt]2013- 2014 WINNER[/size]

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY
[size=18pt]Representing. Iamdejman, Smithsammy.[/size]


[size=18pt]2014 - 2015 WINNER[/size]
[img]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS03STiEzK3Kd4C8MomLhzYZtT8yUcfVD5ZEcaFQGNRk7h6IKQC0A[/img]
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURE ABEOKUTA
[size=18pt]Representing Pseudonomer, Nunushokoto.[/size]



[size=18pt]2015 - 2016 WINNER[/size]

[img]http://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M3a2ef706e39c2866d15285048455a2beo0&pid=15.1[/img]

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NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE HALL OF FAME:

BEST DEBATER 2014 EDITION
THELASTNAZGUL (UNIBEN)


BEST DEBATER 2015 EDITION
PSEUDONOMER FUNAAB


BEST DEBATER 2015 EDITION
[img]http://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M3a2ef706e39c2866d15285048455a2beo0&pid=15.1[/img]

And now, let us take this time out to appreciate all that has made this event what it is, a grand success.

To all the debaters from the essay submission stage til date, we love and appreciate you all.

To the organizers, coordinators, judges and all Nairaland ers, your unrelenting support are also well appreciated.

And to our dear sponsors, thank you, thank you for investing in this.

Cc:

Ymodulus

Ifyalways

Jarus

Jaybee3

Amiloaded.com

Eduregard.com



All judges



GIVEAWAYS



► A hard copy of the book "The Road to Victoria Island" authored by Mr. Jarus to the debaters of the winning school.

► A soft copy (ebook version) to be given to each debater of the second placed team.

► Best debater to be invited to JarusHub Networking Event - an avenue to meet and dine with some Lagos professionals in a top restaurant in Lagos (This meet holds on every last Saturday of every month, and the debater is free to choose the month he prefers from June to December 2016).


Courtesy: JarusHub Career Consulting

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Dear Nairalander,
If you are reading this and you are also interested in sponsoring this educational event, kindly reach us on - - nairalandinterschooldebate@gmail.com.

Thank you.

While the debate is going on, only the contestants, coordinators, Chairman and Supermods (if need be) can post.




Let us all kindly comply, as defaulters might attract a 3 hours ban (duration of the debate).




You can however comment simultaneously at the planning thread.


https://www.nairaland.com/2446965/nairaland-interschool-debate-chatroom-third/40




Thank you.

*moves in*

6:55am -- Debaters (OAUtemitayo, Emmaculate99, graciousolo
Neyoor) and judges (Obinoscopy, Caracta Ishilove) registers presence.




Quote the above post to indicate your presence.

Present

Well


We are starting..

*stroll to the podium with my Agbada*

The Admin and Owner of NL, Oluwaseun Osewa,
The Supermods, Dominique, Mukina2, Semid4lyfe, lalasticala
The chairman, lalasticala,
The Chairlady, Dominique,
The Human Resources Personnel, Obinoscopy,
The Judges,
Our Sponsorer (Ifyalways, Dominique, Jaybee3, Jarushub, Ymodulus etc)
The Chief Coordinator, Luxanne
All coordinators
My Co-Moderator (Olawalebabs, Richiez)
All Members of Nairaland
The Education Sections Movers and Shakers,
The Contestants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

In an era, when the internet is synonymous with scams and fraud, it gladden my heart to see the 'future leaders' coming together and forming a bond that exists beyond the e-world in order to improve and impact the society positively. This debates is coming at the appropriate time when we continue to have a decline in the reading and writing habit of our youth, this we believe his our little way of re-orientating society about the important and benefits of positive criticism through debating.

We have come a long way, despite all hurdles and storms our boat remains unshaken, and it kept on forging ahead, giving birth to new intellectuals, if I think about how we encountered hurdles and how we managed to pass through it, raekado Banks song "Oluwa ni" readily comes to mind, because we believe it is not only by our power, but by the Power of God through those supporting the growth of this dream.

The chapter of Nairaland interschool Debate third edition started with 25 schools (Yabatech, Ibadan Polythecnic, Lautech, Unijos, Uniben) to mention a few, expectedly as each episode of the chapter unfolds we have schools dropping out, not that they were not as strong as their contenders, they just needed to add more commitment to the cause, and after all these interesting episode, here we are with the final episode of Nairaland interschool Debate third edition.

All the aforementioned wouldn't have been possible, or this year's edition would have been futile without the help of God, judges, our sponsorer, the coordinators and you our audience. We love you all.

To the Judges, I thank you for volunteering to work on this project considering your other offline schedules, I implore you to do your best, as we can't possibly satisfy everybody, just do as your conscience is dictates.


To the contestants, you are the focal point of this projects, educating and informative arguments is what we expects from you, don't see this as a 'do or die' affairs, play by the rule and at the end of the day, we will all be happy to be part of this laudable projects.

To Our sponsorers, Thank you so much for investing in this dream, we assure you that your effort to see the participants dulely instigated won't go in vain.


I hereby declare the THIRD edition of NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE Grand Finale open.

Thanks
Fynestboi

present

[size=15pt]Topic: "Should Federal Character Matter in public offices appointment?".[/size]

7:00pm - 7:30pm -- Debaters post their arguments within 30 minutes, maximum word limit is 1000.



OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY representative post your argument.


OAUTemitayo
Emaculate99

Present

Present

Seems OAU team are still



Neyoor and graciousolo can we have your argument.

present

OAUTemitayo:
Present

emaculate99:
present

Post your argument

Should Federal Character Matter in Public Offices Appointment?
Oautemitayo:
Position: Support
School: OAU

Federal Character Principle and the Multi-Ethnic Nature of Nigeria

Nigeria is a country with several ethnic groups, some with numbers enough to guarantee their political relevance and some with a very small population barely enough to even get them a state out of the thirty six in the country.
The ethnic composition of the country and the ills of the first republic such as the first military coup led by Kaduna Nzeogwu and the subsequent civil war have created a kind of mistrusts among the ethnic groups such that Nigerians usually see themselves first as an ethnic Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw or as the case may be before seeing themselves as Nigerians. This has led to a situation which demand that institutionalised frameworks are put in place to douse tension and reassure component tribes of their political and economic prosperity in the country.
The federal character principle used since 1979 is one of the frameworks. The essence of this principle is to ensure the even spread of government resources and appointments among the several ethnic groups and regions in the country. This will lead to a truly representative government since almost all the ethnic groups will have their people at some relevant positions in the country.

Fear of the Minorities, Peace, Stability and Patriotism.

Promoting unity and patriotism is the ultimate goal of any responsible government.
The process of instilling patriotism in a multi ethnic nation laden with mistrusts and continuos agitations among the various ehnic groups over resources and appointments starts from equity and a good sense of belonging among the component units.
The federal character principle used in Nigeria when appointments into public offices are being made is not only the reason why some minority ethnic groups still have hope and trust in this country, it is the principle that is giving the various ethnic groups the sense of belonging.
A critical look at the major sources of income of Nigeria and the contributing states will give a crystal clear prediction of how people like Ogonis of the Niger Delta would feel if they are technically excluded from the public appointment process just because they don't have the numbers necessary for their political relevance.
It is a known fact that nepotism has eaten deep into every fabric of the society and only a structured and institutionalised framework that guarantees the even spread of opportunities among the regions can ensure that various components have a sense of belonging and their subsequent ensurement of directing their energies and heart towards the attainment of the goals of the country as a whole.

Merit, Standards and Public Service Inefficiency in Federal and State Levels

One of the arguments against this unifying principle is that it is responsible for the seemingly ineffectiveness and inefficiency of the public service and political appointees. However this proposition cannot stand the test of logic when one put into consideration the glaring fact that despite the use of federal character in appointing public officers, standards and benchmarks are usually put in place to ensure that people who are not capable of living up to expectation are excluded from the process and system. An example is the present employment process into the Nigeria police force. It was clearly stated right in the vacancy advertisement that anybody applying for the rank of an ASP must be a degree holder and yet the federal character principle will still be enforced. This process ensures that almost every ethnic group have a substantial number of its kinsmen in the force thereby reassuring them of the non-partisanship of police force that will be guiding their neighbourhoods. By using the federal character and also setting benchmarks and standards in the employment process of police officers the government has laid down the basis for the professionalism of a much needed neutral police force needed for the provision of security services across the country
The anti federal character campaigners are quick to blame the federal character for the inadequacies and corruption that pervades the federal civil and public services, but they have not been able to tell us why same inadequacies and corruption abound in all state civil and public services including those states that are made up of one ethnic group. The real problems facing the federal civil and public services stems from the politicisation of the appointment process by politicians and the elites who are given certain slots out of the vacancies. The politicians then turn around and give it to their cronies and political supporters in the process sidelining the laid down rules and regulations guiding the filling of vacancies in the federal offices. A critical example is Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti who proclaimed that he helped some Ekiti indigenes into the Federal public service. Shouldn't there be a question of how he helped them when the law stated that existing vacancies should be advertised for all intending applicants to apply? How could he have been able to do this if not for the fact that he was a member of the then ruling party? Such was the recklessness that the Governor was even the one presenting federal appointment letters to people!
This is a pointer to the fact that politicians and the top echelon of the civil service are the one responsible for the decay in the public service.

Conclusion

The federal character principle should continue to be the guiding principle when appointments into federal offices are being made in order to ensure the equal representation of every unit of the country. The standard benchmarks should also be strengthened to ensure that it's manipulation is reduced to the barest minimum.

References:

About Federal Character Principle
http://www.federalcharacter.gov.ng/index.php/about-us
Recruitment: Police Told to Adhere Strictly to Federal Character Principles
http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/04/12/recruitment-police-told-to-adhere-strictly-to-federal-character-principles/
Educational Requirements of various categories into the Nigerian police force 2016 http://www.successbase.com.ng/nigerian-police-recruitment-form-20162017-application/
ETHNIC MINORITY CONFLICTS AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA.
http://books.openedition.org/ifra/759?lang=en
Fayose Secures SSS , Immigration Jobs For 50 Ekiti Indigenes
http://www.informationng.com/2014/09/fayose-secures-sss-immigration-jobs-for-50-ekiti-indigenes.html

Emaculate99



Next.

FEDERAL CHARACTER SHOULD MATTER IN PUBLIC OFFICES APPOINTMENT.
Omirin Emmanuel (Emaculate Ife)

Position: Support

School: OAU

For a Federation that was coerced together, lack of equal representation of the federating units is the greatest threat to the national integration of such country. This bores down to the 1914 mistake when Nigeria was coerced together without any recourse to the people's feeling. Instead of breaking up, national integration was chosen. In a bid to maintain the national integration and development, the government was faced with two options federal character: a principle of equal representation of the federating units or meritocracy: a principle that cares not for the equal representation of the federating units. If lack of equal representation is the greatest threat to national integration of a coerced country, then which out of federal character and meritocracy is a threat?

Constitutionally, appointment into public offices is expected to reflect federal character in order to aid integration. Sadly, this provision was made non-justiciable, that is, the government can forgo federal character while appointing without facing the wrath of law. Its non-justiciability has brought feelings of marginalisation in the face of visible dominance of office by some regions. This feeling has been known to have fuel protests and the fight for emancipation of the aggrieved region. If care is not taken, national insecurity and division will set in. In a bid to stop this callous consequence, federal character should be made justiciable.

Naturally, no sane person can work efficiently in an unfriendly environment. A product of marginalisation is protest. Most times, protesters prevent workers from going to their place of work thereby slowing down the productivity of the workers which in turn affect the nation's economy negatively. There might be a change of event, they might go violent by vandalising properties. But will there be any development if workers are prevented from working or properties are being vandalised? For the sake of the economy and development, federal character should be considered.

Moreover, anyone conversant with the world will note that federal character is not alien. It is the quota based form of affirmative action that is given full force of law in UK, US, India, Canada, South Africa among others. The love the government of these countries have for their people necessitated their choice of not sacrificing integration on the altar of meritocracy. If these countries practice affirmative action for the purpose of integration, why then should Federal Character not matter in appointments?

On the 5th day of May, 2016, Mr drtwist, a south-southerner, took to Nairaland to explain how being from the richest region in the country had not helped him secure a place in the military after years of "searching" while his "brothers" from the north were easily recruited - feeling neglected. This was how Niger Delta Militancy started. It comprised of young men in the region who were dissatisfied with their inability to find jobs, destruction of their lands and rivers (which served as means of survival) without any intervention from the government. Suffering and poverty became the order of the day. If care is not taken, Mr Drtwist and the rest, can be turned into readymade tools in the hands of the Niger Delta militants.

Analogically, democracy is a government based on majority's wish and not merit. Just like democracy, Federal Character is based on the wish of not being marginalised. Wish of the people is a driver for the two concepts. It is apparent that people's wish is given great esteem in the world. If that is not the case, aristocracy should have been more popular than democracy since it gives room for the best to rule. Federal Character is our democracy, it should matter in our appointment.

Legally, the safety of the people is the supreme law; all good laws must guarantee the safety of the people directly or by implication. In a country like Nigeria where protest which might lead to chaos can spring out at the slightest scent of marginalisation like the Biafra agitation which is fuelled by their feelings of being marginalised. Which law do you think will guaranty the safety of the people more when implemented? Meritocracy that will allow marginalisation of some regions or federal character that will give no room for marginalisation? You choose!

My Daddy is a man that stands between chaos and the citizens. Each day, he cheats death and listen to the music played by gunshots on the battlefield because he wants to protect the country. He sees his friends being killed beside him but he keeps praying for God's protection as he fights for the country's unity. If you were my Daddy, would you rather choose to protest a law that will protect the country's unity which your teammates died for? I believe you would go for that which will protect the country's unity.

Meritocracy might be good but Nigeria is not yet ripe for it. Nigeria will be ripe for it when fear of marginalisation and domination is removed. She can also be ripe for it if this forced marriage is broken into pieces and ethnicity becomes a thing of the past. Till then, Nigeria should make Federal Character matter in appointments into public offices.

REFRENCE:

Biafra agitation: a bedrock to protest injustice, marginalisation.
www.elombah.com/index.php/opinion/3679-biafra-agitation-a-bedrock-to-protest-injustice-marginalisation

Southeast one of the Richest Region After Southsouth NBS report 2016- evidence
www.nairaland.com/3088004/southeast-one-richest-region-after#45339723

1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2011 as amended.

Federal Character And Quota System in Nigeria A Good Public Policy
http://www.gamji.com/article8000/NEWS8640.htm

Neyoor and graciousolo.


Next

Should Federal Character Matter In Public Offices Appointment?

Even though it was created to answer the question of our nationhood and national integration, this is one of the reasons why Nigeria's status as a nation is still debated till date. I wonder why people who should see themselves as one and, should have similar goal of improving the country are bothered with the principle of federal character even though it has been proven to be detrimental to the nation's progress and development.



Before I proceed further, I am using this opportunity to thank the organisers of this wonderful debate; it's been a long ride. Greetings to the incorruptible judges, my friends and opponents, my dogged teammates, not forgetting the amiable Nairaland audience. I am graciousolo, representing the great citadel of learning, the University of Ilorin and, I am here to state unequivocally that, “Federal character should not be considered when appointing public office holders.”


For the sake of clarity I will give an insight into what the principle of federal character is. The federal character principle became officially recognised in the 1979 constitution. This policy was aimed at addressing the issues of ethnic representation in the public sector. The implication of this was that issues of admission, recruitment, promotion and appointment became based on this principle.

I will also explain what a public office is or who a public office holder is. A public office refers to offices or parastatals under the government where services are rendered to the public. A public office holder is someone who holds a position in a government parastatal and is saddled with serving the public.


According to wikitionary, a public office is a position or occupation established by law or by the act of a government body, for the purpose of exercising the authority of the government in the service of the public. Therefore a public office holder is a person who holds this position. Should people in such positions be appointed based on anything less than merit? I don't think so.


To start with, since the colonial epoch through the independence, Nigeria has sort to fashion out a socio-political mechanism or structure that will foster positive social interaction, development, curb or at least reduce minority exploitation in a pluralistic society such as hers'. The idea of federal character principle is on of such mechanism. Unfortunately, this idea has been saddled with impunity and bias.

The idea of the principle of federal character must sound nice and pleasing to the ear based on its intent but, some factors has flawed this principle especially in Nigeria of today. For instance, the inappropriate application of the federal character principle aids mediocrity, inequality, corruption, lack of transparency and/or competition and above all tribal dominance by the major ethnic groups. Federal character ordinarily protects minorities, but under the constitution it is operated to protect the majority ethnic groups, lack of will of competitiveness and open-mindedness.


In 2009, the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Prof. Oba AbdulRaheem, was quoted as saying, “18 states are not currently benefitting from the ‘federal character principle’ of the 1999 Constitution”. The states were described as having low representation in appointments into Federal Ministries and Agencies. According to the Prof. AbdulRaheem, each of the 36 states is expected to have about 2.5 % and 3.0% representation in appointments made by Federal Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments. A source from the FCC was also quoted as saying “the implication of the current irregularity is that these states may not have civil servants from their states in the hierarchy of the Federal Civil Service in the next few years”.


Furthermore, this principle is supposed to foster equal public office appointments across the ethnic groups but, this is obviously not the case in Nigeria. For instance, as at 2014 about 70% of Nigeria Foot-soldiers were from Hausa-Fulani. About 80% of all Permanent Secretaries in Federal Ministries were from Hausa-Fulani. About 80% of those given Oil Wells presently in the Oil from Niger Delta Region were from Hausa-Fulani. About 60% of Generals in the Nigerian Military were from Hausa-Fulani. About 60% of the Heads of Parastatals were from Hausa-Fulani. About 60% of the Top Ranks in Nigerian Police Force were from Hausa-Fulani. About 70% of Nigerian State Security Services (SSS) officials were from Hausa-Fulani. About 60% Top Posts in each of: Nigerian Prison Services, Nigeria Immigration and Nigerian Ports Authority were from Hausa-Fulani. Not much has changed today. We ask ourselves questions like what has the application of federal character helped us achieve? Has it lead to further National integration? Has it proven to be an adequate tool for national development? I'll let you be the judge.


On the 25th of June 2015, the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, was reported to have called for the scrapping of the federal character principle and the Federal Character Commission established to implement it. This report was later refuted but, in refuting it, the vice president said he only urged that merit came first before any consideration of ethnic background. His reply has only helped to validate the premise that federal character might trample merit.

Conclusively, Federal character shouldn't matter in the appointment of public officers because this will lead to appointing individuals who don't have the right skill and experience and individuals who don't have the zeal for such offices. I strongly believe based on observable facts that applying federal character to appointing public office holders will definitely lead to mediocrity and merit will be forgone. This will lead to unfavourable socio-economic policies, socio-political policies and inappropriate implementation of good policies.

Once again, should federal character principle be applied when appointing public officers? No, this principle has been flawed. Merit, Passion should always be the pivotal element. Thank you.


Reference(s):
***http://m.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/Profiles/Olanrewaju-Ilemobola/Quota-System-Federal-Character-Principle-and-Admission-to-Federal-Unity-Schools-Barriers-to-Learning-in-Nigeria

***public office - Wiktionary en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/public_office
http://www.focusnigeria.com/federal-character.html

***http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/columns/friday-columns/58963-on-federal-character-i#Kc9TCR5DjcMKLArm.99

***http://chrisdonasco..co.ke/2014/02/federal-character-princinple-and-in.html?m=1

***http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/main-square/75111-what-federal-character.html