In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn the reappointment of Dr. Muheeba Dankaka as Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), less than 24 hours after announcing it.
On August 12, the Presidency initially issued a statement extending Dankaka’s tenure for another five years. But in a surprising late-night reversal, the government named Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, a former House of Representatives member, as the new Chairperson of the FCC.
The announcement sparked confusion across political and traditional circles. Earlier in the day, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, had publicly congratulated Dankaka, hailing her reappointment as a victory for Kwara State. That congratulatory message was soon overshadowed when the second statement nullified her tenure renewal.
Omidiran, who represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State in the 6th and 7th National Assembly, is a respected lawmaker known for her legislative advocacy and grassroots connections. Her appointment is seen as part of President Tinubu’s strategy to inject new leadership into federal agencies.
This is not the first time President Tinubu’s administration has reversed an appointment within hours. Analysts point to similar instances in recent months as evidence of an evolving but sometimes erratic personnel management approach in the Presidency.
The development has stirred debate in Abuja’s political corridors, with some stakeholders questioning the lack of clarity that often surrounds appointment processes, while others say it reflects Tinubu’s willingness to make quick corrections when necessary.
With Omidiran’s appointment, all eyes will now be on the Federal Character Commission to see how she steers the agency in addressing Nigeria’s sensitive issues of inclusivity, equity, and representation in public service appointments.