CHARLES IWUOHA

The Commissioner representing Enugu State in the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Mrs. Ginika Tor, has charged the committee saddled with the responsibility of selecting beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Public Works Programme to ensure that due diligence is followed in the exercise.

She spoke while reacting to the list of the committee members in the 17 local government areas of the state as published by the State Coordinator of the programme, Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu.

The Special Public Works Programme of the Federal Government is expected to engage 774,000 Nigerians.

In a press statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Wednesday, the Commissioner lauded Gwazuagu for making the committee list public, adding that such was also expected from the local government committees as they get along in their assignment.

Tor, in the statement said: “I laud Gbazuagu for the bold step he has taken so far. May God continually grant him more grace and wisdom as he carries out this designated assignment.

“We are impressed with the steps he has taken so far, especially by making the committee list public. I look forward to enormous positive achievements.

“On the part of the members of the committee across the 17 LGAs in Enugu State, as I congratulate them, they also need to be told that to whom much is given, much is expected.

“I believe you were all well chosen to represent the people of Enugu State at the local government level and I have no doubt in my mind that you will uphold the principles of Federal Character in the discharge of your duties.

“Kindly carry this assignment in a manner that reflects the Federal Character. The distinctive desire of Mr. President is to give citizens of Nigeria fair and equitable sharing thereby promoting national unity and fostering national loyalty as stipulated in Section 14(3) and (4) of the 1999 constitution as amended.”

The Commissioner cautioned that “this is not time for political patronage or self-aggrandizement. Mr. President desires that the programme should get to the deserved Nigerians, and this should not be compromised. Let’s ensure that the essence of this great initiative of Mr. President is not defeated.”

“I, hereby, as the Federal Character Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission implore you all to please conduct this assignment in the manner that reflects the Federal Character.

“We expect that the committees at the various local government areas will also publish the list of the selected beneficiaries when the time comes, with their towns inclusive. We shall monitor the entire process to see that the right thing is done,” she further said.

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