Obinna Oriaku
Obinna Oriaku, former Abia commissioner for finance, says his removal from the Federal Character Commission (FCC) list is a consequence of his insistence on transparency in public service.
On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu asked the senate to confirm Victor Ikeji as commissioner of the FCC representing Abia state.
He said the appointment of Ikeji is to replace Oriaku, who was earlier nominated in a letter dated October 9.
Writing on his Facebook page on Friday, Oriaku said he was surprised to see that his name had been replaced on the list transmitted to the senate for confirmation.
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He said he was neither informed nor consulted before the substitution was made.
“For clarity, I had already undergone the full rigour of the confirmation process, which concluded with my successful approval by the Senate last week,” he said.
“This latest development, therefore, speaks to a deeper reality about public service: defending democratic ethics often comes with a cost.
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“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.”
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Oriaku said the development has strengthened his resolve to continue advocating for good governance.
