The Societal Safety Network (SSN) has strongly criticised a protest staged on Thursday, which targeted the Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr Muheeba Farida Dankaka, describing it as a politically motivated ploy driven by ambition and resentment.
In a statement signed by SSN’s Director of Public Relations, Comrade Suleiman Salaudeen, the group condemned the protest as “a desperate scheme” orchestrated by elements threatened by Dr Dankaka’s sweeping reforms within the Commission.
Dr Dankaka, according to SSN, has brought unprecedented transformation to the FCC since assuming leadership. Her tenure, they noted, has been defined by transparency, institutional discipline, and a firm stand against internal racketeering.
“She dismantled the culture of selling job slots and exposed entrenched contract scams,” Salaudeen stated.
“This has earned her national respect and, naturally, opposition from those whose corrupt operations were disrupted.”
Among her key achievements, SSN highlighted the introduction of merit-based recruitment, digitisation of FCC processes, restoration of public trust, and a renewed focus on equity and fairness in federal representation.
They also praised her for implementing disciplinary measures against corrupt officials and upgrading the FCC’s national headquarters to a more modern and professional standard.
The organisation dismissed the protest as the handiwork of a “displaced cartel” whose influence had been curtailed.
It also lamented the participation of women in the protest, calling it a betrayal of the ongoing national struggle for gender inclusion in leadership.
“At a time when Nigeria is advocating for increased women participation in governance, it is regrettable that some women have allowed themselves to be used to discredit a reformer like Dr Dankaka,” the statement read.
SSN called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast in rewarding integrity and merit in public office.
The group urged him to support Dr Dankaka’s reappointment, describing it as a symbol of encouragement for resilient, principled leadership.
“Dr Dankaka’s leadership is not the product of political favour,” SSN insisted.
“She has chosen the hard path of integrity and has restored the credibility of a once-controversial institution.”
Reaffirming its support, the organisation appealed to Nigerians — especially women, youth, and civil servants — to resist the efforts of “desperate actors” bent on reversing the FCC’s progress.
“Let us protect our reformers.Let us not betray the very women we are urging to lead” the statement said .