The Nigerian Army, has denied a report that alleged that the Candidates from the North dominated the list of those successful for the Short Service Commission 47 Selection Board, .
In a statement on Wednesday, the Army said that it strictly complied with the Federal Character policy in the recruitment.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Mohammed Yerima, who signed the statement, said that an equal number of Candidates were selected from each State of the Federation, except in rare instances.
According to the statement: “The publication alleged that the list of successful Candidates for Short Service Commission 47 Selection Board, which was published on 26th March, 2021, 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.”