NIGERIA ARMY ACCUSED OF ETHNIC BIAS IN RECENT RECRUITMENT EXERCISE, MILITARY RESPONDS

The Nigeria Army has debunked claims stating that its recent recruitment exercise favoured states within a geographical location over the others. 

Reports from online publications accused the military of shortlisting mostly northern candidates for the Short Service Commission 47 Selection Board which was published on 26 Mar 21.

Responding to the allegations, the Nigeria Army described the report as ill-informed, adding that the Military adheres strictly to the Federal Character policy which demands that an equal number of candidates be selected from each state of the federation. 

While giving a breakdown of the recruitment exercise, the Military said :

An equal number of 8 candidates were selected from each state of the federation except in rare instances where a state did not have the required number of eligible candidates to fill its 8 vacancies. 

Following this number allocated per state, the South East which is made up of 5 States was entitled to 40 candidates. However, 2 extra vacancies were allocated to the geopolitical zone thereby making a total of 42 candidates instead of 40. North Central for instance has 7 states (FCT inclusive). Taking 8 candidates from each state in the geopolitical zone gives a total of 56 in addition to 2 extra vacancies as was also allocated to the South East gave the total of 58 candidates.

Brigadier Yerima, the Director of Army Public Relations described the report of ethnic favouritism as divisive and uncharitable. He added that the General public including media practitioners should always seek clarification from Army Headquarters whenever in doubt on any issue rather than publishing reports that would be defamatory to the image of the Nigerian Army and injurious to Nigeria’s unity.

Credit: EONS Intelligence