President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained that his decision to reverse the reappointment of Dr. Muheeba Farida Dankaka as Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) was due to the fact that her tenure was dogged by controversy.
On Monday, August 11, the presidency had announced Dankaka’s reappointment for another five-year term. Barely a few hours later, however, another statement was issued withdrawing her appointment and naming former federal lawmaker Ayo Omidiran as the new FCC chair.
Tinubu, through the Presidency sources, said the decision was prompted by multiple disputes and public criticisms that trailed Dankaka’s stewardship since her initial appointment in 2020.
Controversial tenure
Dankaka’s time at the helm of the FCC was marked by persistent unrest among staff. Employees accused her of abuse of office, mismanagement, favouritism, blocking promotions, withholding benefits, and shutting down state offices.
At different times, staff took to the streets in protest, demanding her removal and alleging that she had run the Commission like a “private enterprise” for loyalists.
Her leadership also faced public polarization. Demonstrations both for and against her were held at the FCC headquarters, with critics insisting she be investigated over unresolved petitions to anti-corruption agencies, while supporters argued she had brought needed reforms to the Commission.
She was also confronted with serious allegations of corruption, including certificate forgery and job racketeering. Civil society groups repeatedly called for her suspension, claiming that the allegations and ongoing investigations had tarnished the Commission’s image.
Mixed reactions
While many critics accused her of authoritarian practices and mismanagement, some civil society groups and traditional leaders praised her anti-corruption stance, particularly her moves to curb job racketeering and promote transparency in recruitment. They argued she should be retained to consolidate her reforms.
Despite this split opinion, the presidency opted for a fresh start, appointing Omidiran to steer the FCC in what is expected to be a new direction aimed at restoring harmony within the agency and public confidence in its operations.
