Former Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Obinna Oriaku, has expressed disappointment over his replacement on the Federal Character Commission (FCC) nomination list, attributing the development to his firm stance on transparency in public service.
President Bola Tinubu had, in a letter read at the Senate plenary on Thursday, nominated Victor Ikeji as the FCC commissioner representing Abia State, replacing Oriaku, who was earlier nominated in a letter dated October 9.
Reacting in a Facebook post on Friday, Oriaku said he was caught off guard by the development, stating that no formal communication or consultation was made with him prior to the replacement.
He said, “For clarity, I had already undergone the full rigour of the confirmation process, which concluded with my successful approval by the Senate last week.
“This latest development, therefore, speaks to a deeper reality about public service: defending democratic ethics often comes with a cost.
“When you choose to speak the truth, uphold fairness, and challenge entrenched interests, resistance is inevitable. Corruption never retreats quietly; it always fights back.
“Nonetheless, I fully acknowledge that appointments are at the discretion of the President, and it is our duty as democrats to respect and align with his decisions.
“I am also aware that the state government or one of its agencies submitted a petition opposing my nomination. Even so, this will not alter my stance on issues affecting Abia.
“My interventions have always been issue-based, guided by facts, integrity, and the collective good.”
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]