Tinubu Appoints Oladele as Acting Chairman of Federal Character Commission as Dankaka’s Tenure Ends
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Hon. Kayode Oladele, the Federal Commissioner representing Ogun State, as the Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) following the expiration of Dr. Muheebah Dankaka’s five-year tenure. The development was confirmed on Friday and has already drawn commendation from staff members under the banner of the FCC Liberation Group, who had actively protested against the potential reappointment of Dr. Dankaka, citing allegations of mismanagement and poor leadership. Oladele, a respected legal practitioner and former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, is seen by many within the Commission as a symbol of integrity and reform. “His appointment is a welcome relief. He brings a wealth of experience, a legacy of principled leadership, and a clear understanding of constitutional governance,” said a spokesperson for the FCC Liberation Group. Staff Protests and Internal Crisis In late June, staff members from both the FCC headquarters and state offices staged coordinated protests, urging President Tinubu not to reappoint Dr. Dankaka. They accused her of presiding over a dysfunctional administration and claimed her leadership had contributed to the erosion of professionalism and morale within the Commission. Amid rising tensions, a counter-protest was staged less than 24 hours before the expiration of Dankaka’s tenure, allegedly sponsored by her loyalists. Protesters, some of whom were described by staff as thugs, gathered outside the FCC office in Abuja in a show of support for her reappointment. The situation reportedly prompted urgent appeals from staff to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, alleging attempts to influence Dankaka’s return through financial inducements. “Allegations are rife that she has paid the sum of N500 million, and this money will be shared among all the offices for her reappointment,” a letter from protesting workers claimed. Swift Police Intervention According to sources at the Commission, police were deployed to prevent the escalation of tensions at the FCC headquarters during the demonstrations. A staff member confirmed that the intervention averted what could have become a violent clash between opposing groups. What’s Next? Hon. Oladele’s appointment is being seen as a fresh start for the FCC, an agency tasked with ensuring equity and fairness in federal appointments and public service recruitment. Many observers expect that his leadership will focus on restoring credibility and effectiveness to the commission’s operations. President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Oladele is viewed by analysts as a calculated move to stabilize the agency and respond to internal staff discontent. Further updates are expected as the Commission transitions to new leadership under Oladele.