“For Doing The Right Thing, President Tinubu Withdrew My Nomination To FCC” – Obinna Oriaku

By Charles Igbo

Mr. Obinna Oriaku, a former Commissioner for Finance, Abia State,  has never been more embarrassed. A couple of days ago, he was full of joy, full of happiness. A politician from Abia State, on October 9, President Bola Tinubu  had  nominated him as a Commissioner on the Federal Character Commission as Abia State’s representative. His name, along with the others, had been sent to the Senate. Like others, the Senate Committee on Federal Character had screened him and cleared him. He was waiting for the announcement from the Senate. But just while he was waiting for that, his name was dropped, and another- Victor Ikeji – announced in his place on Thursday.

He was shocked. He said nobody told him anything. He said nobody accorded him the simple courtesy of informing him he has been dropped. He was treated crudely.

But he says he knows why he was replaced and treated shabbily. He said it is a product of his insistence on transparency in public service. And that he was aware that some people from the Abia State Government had written a petition against him for standing by the truth. To tell  his story to the public, Oriaku took to his Facebook page. He wrote:

“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.”