President Goodluck Jonathan has admonished the new Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), against making inflammatory statements that could cause problem in the country.

President Goodluck Jonathan (R)in a hand shake with Eze Duruiheoma

The President spoke at the swearing-in of Dururihuoma and two other members of the Commission, Dr Aliyu Kwali (FCT) and Bala Banye (Katsina)

“You must be very mindful and not make statements that will create problem for the society.

“I dropped your predecessor because of certain statements he made and brought credibility problem to the commission.

“He is a fine gentleman, everybody knows him, very cerebral.

“But an institution like the National Population Commission must be one that people will believe in whatever you do.

“And if you make pronouncements that will create credibility problem to that institution, the best thing is for you to step aside for some other person to step in.

“This is because the credibility of that institution is critical.

“Perception in most cases are stronger than real, no matter what you do if the perception is wrong then society will not follow you,” he said.

Jonathan said Duruiheoma should bring wealth of his experience as legal practitioner and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to bear in bringing strong leadership to the NPC.

He underscored the importance of getting the accurate population census of the country to aid the government in proper planning.

“If we know the total number of children we are expecting then you will know how to expand the facilities you have in your basic education institutions.

“So, population commission is critical,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the president relieved Chief Festus Odimegwu, the former NPC Chairman, of his post last year.

Eze, Duruiheoma, who hails from Orlu zone as Eze Festus was then chairman of PDP, ImoState before he was appointed NPC boss following the forced resignation of Odimegwu.

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