“Tinubu encouraging youth leadership” – Orji Uzor-Kalu reacts to Peter Eze’s appointment

Former governor of Abia state senator representing Abia north, Orji Uzor-Kalu has commended President Bola Tinubu for encouraging youth leadership with the appointment of Peter Ogbonna Eze as commissioner of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) representing Enugu.

Kalu spoke while reacting to Eze’s appointment and inauguration by President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

The president swore in Eze alongside Hon. Ayo Omidiran, chairman of the commission, and 36 other commissioners.

Tinubu charged the appointees to uphold integrity, fairness and national responsibility, describing the FCC as the conscience of the nation.

The ceremony was attended by members of the federal executive council and other senior government officials.

Reacting to the appointment, Kalu thanked Tinubu, describing the decision as a deliberate effort to encourage capable young Nigerians committed to public service.

“I thank President Tinubu for what he did for Peter. The President knows Peter very well and sees him clearly because Peter is someone who is ready to encourage young people,” he stated.

Kalu said Eze’s relatively young age reflected Tinubu’s belief in grooming the next generation of leaders.

He said the president’s familiarity with Eze showed confidence in his ability to serve effectively.

“That is what politics is all about, you sit down, ask for what your people need, work for your people, and your people work for you,” Kalu said.

The appointment has continued to attract commendations from academic institutions, grassroots authorities and student organisations.

In a statement signed by E. R. Ukwueze, head of the department of economics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the department described Eze as an outstanding alumnus and worthy ambassador of the institution.

“As you take up this new role, we trust that your light will continue to shine and illuminate your path and that of the nation at large,” the statement reads.

The government and people of Igbo-Eze north local government area of Enugu also congratulated Eze on his inauguration.

In a statement signed by Sydney Eze, chief media aide to the council chairman, the local government described the appointment as recognition of Eze’s integrity, dedication to service and commitment to equity.

The council expressed confidence that Enugu would be well represented at the FCC and pledged its continued support.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone F (South-East), also commended Tinubu for the appointment.

Speaking on behalf of students in the region, Ikechukwu Emmanuel, coordinator of NANS Zone F, described Eze as “one of our brothers” and wished him a successful tenure.

The Association of Graduate Economics Students (AGES), through its national chairman, Evaristus Ikpa, also congratulated Eze on the appointment.

Eze, an economist and public administrator from Igbo-Eze north, was confirmed by the Senate on November 27, 2025.

His nomination was announced on August 1, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson.

The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs said there were no petitions or adverse security findings against him.

Onyesoh Onyesoh, chairman of the committee, said the nominees demonstrated competence and a clear understanding of the FCC’s mandate.