The appointments of qualified personnel into any federal establishment as a minister were to reflect the principle of

Analyze the question

The question asks which principle guides the appointment of qualified people (for example, ministers) into federal establishments in Nigeria. The key phrase is "reflect the principle of", which points to fair representation of the country's diverse peoples.

Explain the concept

The Federal Character Principle is in Section 14(3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It requires that the composition of the Government of the Federation and its agencies, and the conduct of their affairs, reflect the federal character of Nigeria. This means no predominance of persons from a few states or ethnic or other sectional groups. The aim is national unity, fairness and a sense of belonging for all. It is also backed by Section 147(3), which says the President must appoint at least one minister from each state.

Step-by-step solution

1. Appointments of ministers and other officials must be spread fairly across states and ethnic groups. This is the idea of Federal Character.
2. Check the other options: • Federal Commission: this is not a principle. The Federal Character Commission is a body that monitors the principle, but it is not the principle itself. • Federal Allocation: this relates to sharing revenue, not appointments. • Federal Resources: this is not a constitutional principle of appointment.
3. Only Federal Character fits.

Answer: A. Federal Character

Exam tip: Whenever you see "appointments", "fair representation", "ethnic balance" or "at least one minister from each state", think Federal Character. Link "allocation" with revenue and "character" with people and appointments.