Calls for greater transparency in the distribution of federal employment opportunities have intensified, with APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye urging the Federal Character Commission to ensure that recruitment is not influenced by powerful individuals.

Oyintiloye, speaking in Osogbo, Osun State, appealed to the commission’s Executive Chairman, Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, to stand firm against intimidation or pressure while carrying out her responsibilities.

According to him, the credibility of federal recruitment depends on giving qualified Nigerians a fair chance, regardless of their background or connections.

He said the FCC should strengthen its oversight of recruitment processes and prevent situations where applicants are disadvantaged through manipulation or other improper practices.

“The FCC must adopt a renewed commitment to building a commission where merit, fairness and the principles of federal character guide the management of employment opportunities across the public service” Oyintiloye said.

His appeal comes shortly after Omidiran publicly reiterated that federal government jobs were not for sale and that employment opportunities should be available to Nigerians regardless of social status.

Oyintiloye said the position of the FCC was particularly important because of its constitutional responsibility to promote equitable representation in federal institutions.

He also praised the commission for addressing concerns over fairness in recruitment and allegations of corrupt practices, saying greater openness could help rebuild public confidence.

The APC chieftain further urged the commission to ensure that recruitment opportunities are communicated clearly and that qualified applicants from all parts of the country are given an equitable chance.

He expressed confidence that reforms under Omidiran could strengthen the FCC’s credibility, while encouraging job seekers to rely on legitimate recruitment announcements rather than individuals claiming to have connections within the commission.

The FCC itself has warned Nigerians about people offering supposed shortcuts into federal employment, stressing that it does not sell jobs or select candidates for federal appointments.

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has hit back at socialite and businessman Paschal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, after the latter criticised his administration.

The governor dismissed the businessman’s comments while speaking at an event in Abakaliki, saying he had no interest in engaging with him.

“I don’t have time for Cubana Chief Priest. He’s a mere attention-seeker and an individual of no consequence” Nwifuru said.

He added, “However, if I remember him, I feel sorry for him.”

The exchange followed comments by Cubana Chief Priest questioning the governor’s performance in office. He reportedly challenged Nwifuru to explain how an administration could spend about three years in office without having major projects commissioned by the President or other state governors.

The remarks had earlier attracted criticism from Chinedu Ogah, the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Ogah condemned Cubana Chief Priest’s comments, defending the governor’s administration.

Nwifuru’s response now adds another layer to the controversy, although the governor did not provide a detailed response to the specific claims made about projects commissioned under his administration.

The disagreement has consequently shifted attention to the broader question of the Ebonyi government’s record on infrastructure and development projects since Nwifuru assumed office.

An early-morning building collapse in Enugu has left one person dead and four others injured after a four-storey structure under construction suddenly gave way in the Independence Layout area of the state.

The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Sunday on Ogbalu Street, where workers were reportedly sleeping inside the construction site when the building collapsed.

Four workers were pulled from the debris alive and taken to the Enugu State Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities said six people had been sleeping at the site before the incident, but one of them had reportedly stepped out shortly before the structure came down. The body of another victim was recovered from the rubble.

The rescue operation has drawn the involvement of several emergency and security agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency, Nigerian Red Cross Society, State Emergency Management Agency, Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority and the Police.

Officials are still working at the scene to determine whether anyone else may be trapped beneath the debris.

The cause of the collapse remains unknown as of the time of reporting.

The incident has also renewed questions about compliance with construction standards, site safety and the effectiveness of regulatory monitoring in Enugu.