The lists of successful and reserve candidates for admission into the 65th regular course of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Short Service Combatant as well as Direct Short Service are generating controversy. Weekly Trust reports
The publications of lists of successful and reserve candidates for admission into the 65th Regular Course of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Short Service Combatant as well as Direct Short Service were greeted by controversy. There are allegations that the lists fall short of the federal character principles, charges the military authorities deny.
The principle of federal character, as contained in the Constitution, seeks to ensure that appointments to public service institutions reflect the country’s diversity.
But after the publications of the lists for recruitment into military institution were made, the Council of Imams and Ulama in Kaduna State held a meeting. Their deliberations, which centred on a number of issues, included recruitment and placement in the public service.
The meeting assessed the manner in which candidates are being enlisted into the military and in particular the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and expressed concern over the continuous lopsidedness in the exercise.
Attendees unanimously agreed to voice out their grievances over inequalities on recruitment into the Nigerian Defence Academy making reference to the ‘65th regular intake recruits. They said there was calculated attempt to marginalize Muslim youths.
The Chairman, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Sheik Zubairu Surajo and the Chairman, Council of Imams and Ulamas, Sheik Usman Abubakar Babantine, Kaduna State addressed the media after the meeting and issued a joint statement.
The statement said “the recent recruitment of cadets into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in the Daily Trust of August 23, 2013 was a shocking and unbelievable trend that no responsible community will accept that. The result clearly shows that Muslims of Nigeria were
systematically marginalized, a plan we foresee intended to gradually get rid of our Muslim youths from the Armed Forces and other security agencies in Nigeria.
“The Muslims in Kaduna State in particular deserve an explanation on why out of the 11 candidates enrolled into the NDA this year, only two Muslims were admitted.”
Sheik Babantine later called on defence authorities and other agencies saddled with the responsibility of recruitment to be fair to all and immediately rectify the situation, adding that “we are also calling on the National Assembly to urgently examine the recent recruitment of cadet into the NDA and similar institutions with the view to ensuring justice to all.”
The list of successful and reserve candidates for admission into the 65th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) was released in August 2013, while the lists for the Direct Short Service and Short Service Combatant courses were published this month.
Weekly Trust reports that between 13 and 14 candidates were selected from each state including three reserves for 65 regular intakes while ten candidates were selected to represent the FCT.
Critics say in the case of Kaduna, Taraba, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kebbi, and Adamawa where recruitment into public service is shared among Muslims and Christians , Muslims were marginalised. Criticizing the list as unfair and imbalanced, Murtada Mohammed wondered why not a single Muslim was listed among the candidates from Plateau State, when even Benue had a Muslim candidate.
The Commandant of the NDA Major General Chukuemeka Onwameagbu told our correspondent that the academy is only responsible for training of successful candidates and is not involved in the selection process.
“The academy is not involved in selection (enlistment) process, the academy’s responsibility is strictly to train those selected by an Armed Forces Selection Board which is constituted by the Defence Headquarters and has members from the three services and Ministry of Defence,” he said.
When asked about the criteria for recruitment into the academy, the Commandant referred this reporter to the NDA website (nda.edu.ng) saying requirements are clearly listed there.
Weekly Trust also contacted the Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade. In a text message to Weekly Trust, he said “All the factors that are crucial to National Character as constitutionally recognised have been duly observed in that exercise. Anyone trying to be unnecessarily sentimental should look elsewhere.”
He said “the Armed Forces remains conversant with the vital ingredients of quota system and will continue to apply same as appropriate in any recruitment. We appeal to people with other interests not to introduce this divisive analysis to issues in the military.”
A military source also said it is the responsibility of the Selection Board to ensure balance in the selection process, adding that in military recruitment competence is rated above any other criteria. Also, it is the duty of the Federal Character Commission to appraise any enlistment and make adequate recommendations.
Source: Daily Trust
