No Region Will Be Marginalized Under My Administration, Says Jonathan

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R), CONGRATULATING THE CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI ABDULRAHEEM OBA, DURING THE INAUGURATION OF THE BOARD IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY (15/01/14)

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday assured that under his watch, no section of the country will feel marginalized in the scheme of things. He also promised that his administration would continue to work hard to ensure that pensioners get their retirement benefits as and when due.

The president gave the assurance inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, shortly before the commencement of the first Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of the year, while inaugurating chairmen and members of the boards of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

The President also said his administration would work hard to ensure even distribution in appointments and employment among all sections of the country in line with the federal character principle.

He said, “I assure all Nigerians that under my watch, the Federal Government will give no section of the country any cause to feel excluded.

“That is why I hereby restate my administration’s commitment to continue to support the Federal Character Commission in successfully meeting its vital constitutional responsibilities.

“While ensuring even spread in appointments and employment in the country, government is also mindful of the fate of retirees who have served this great nation. It is therefore of paramount importance to this administration that pensioners receive their retirement benefits as and when due. Negative reports associated with the old system is a cause for concern”, he said.

Professor Shuaibu Oba Abdul-raheem, alongside 24 commissioners, was inaugurated as chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC); while former governor of Bauchi State Adamu Mu’azu, was inaugurated as chairman of the PENCOM.

Other members of the PENCOM are Chinelo O. Anohu-Amazu (South East), Omotowa Reuben Gilbert (North Central), Mohammed Ka’oje Abubakar (North West) and Adesojo O. Olaoba-Efuntayo (South West).

In their separate remarks, Abdul-raheem and Mu’azu, on behalf of their members, expressed appreciation to the president for the appointments and pledged not to disappoint Nigerians in the discharge of their responsibilities.