The Nigeria Army has debunked the report that its selection process was conducted in favour of the north saying the published list strictly complies with the Federal Character policy.
This is a response to a report by an online news publication which alleged that the list of successful candidates recruited into the army was dominated by the north.
In a statement seen by a West African Pilot News correspondent, Mohammed Yerima, Director Army Public Relations explained that 8 candidates were selected from each state except for states that couldn’t provide the required number of eligible candidates to fill its 8 vacancies.
“Accordingly, 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.
In such instance, the vacancy will be filled by a contiguous state from the same Geopolitical Zone,” he said.
Yerima also noted that with the number allocated to each state, the vacancies for candidates varied and depended solely on the number of states in each geopolitical zone.
“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 42 candidates instead of 40. North Central for instance has 7 states (FCT inclusive). Taking 8 candidates from each state in 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,” he added.
“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 42 candidates instead of 40. North Central for instance has 7 states (FCT inclusive).
Taking 8 candidates from each state in 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,” he indicated.
He further urged media practitioners to desist from publishing defamatory reports about the Nigeria Army but rather seek clarifications from necessary authorities when confused about any issue rather.
- Breaking: Ohanaeze President General, George Obiozor, confirmed dead - December 28, 2022
- US to support NDLEA on improved intelligence gathering capacity - December 27, 2022
- Why diversified HIV/AIDS prevention tools matter for women - December 26, 2022
