We complied with federal character in recruitment – Army

THE Nigerian Army has asked the public to disregard an online report that alleged that candidates from the North dominated the list of those successful for the Short Service Commission 47 Selection Board.

The army said it strictly complies with the Federal Character policy, adding that an equal number of candidates was selected from each state of the federation except in rare instances.

In a statement titled ‘Disclaimer: Re- North Dominates Nigerian Army Recruitment,’ signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, the Army warned media practitioners to always seek clarification from the Army when in doubt of any report instead of rushing to publish falsehoods that could heat up the polity.

The statement read, “The publication alleged that the list of successful candidates for Short Service Commission 47 Selection Board which was published on 26 Mar 21 was dominated by the North while the South East had the fewest candidates. It is pertinent to state that the Nigerian Army strictly complies with the Federal Character policy.

“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 an instance, the vacancy will be filled by a contiguous state from the same 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 of 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.

“It is therefore quite uncharitable and blatantly divisive for any media organisation to whip up sentiments from such a straight forward exercise conducted by the Nigerian Army in the best interest of the Nation. The General public including media practitioners are encouraged to always seek clarification from Army Headquarters whenever in doubt on any issue rather than rushing to publish reports that would be defamatory to the image of the Nigerian Army and injurious to Nigeria’s unity.”