Nigerian Army Is Biased Against Ndigbo
OpenLife Nigeria reports that in an occasion and moment of frank discussions during an interface with indigenes of Enugu State over their lack of interest in enlisting into the Army, a traditional ruler in Awgu Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Wing Commander, J. O. Okeke, rtd, told
the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya how biased the Nigerian Army is to Ndigbo.
The traditional ruler supported his argument and told a sad story of how he was unjustly denied promotion and retired from the Military, vowing that he would never encourage any of his subjects to enlist into the Nigeria Armed Forces. .
According to him, “the discrimination being meted to the South-Easterners in the military is a major probelm. There is no way I will allow my own children or relatives into the military because of my personal experiences in the military.
“I mentioned that in our final examination I was number three; except me, the other seven were made Generals in the Air Force; how would they explain that? I was given an appointment but within six months they retired me after 22 years in service.
“I am happy that the Army has realised themselves and are now sending people to go and find us, but they know the reason. Treat everybody equally and people will now embrace the Armed Forces,” he advised.
The Army Chief, represented Major Gen. Ola Oyelade from the Personnel Department, Nigerian Army, went round the three Senatorial zones of the State with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, where they held a dialogue with all the stakeholders, including the traditional rulers.
On the entourage was also the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Umar Musa, represented by the Garrison Commander.
Without mincing words, the indigenes said they are no longer interested as the recruitment process, postings and promotions in the Armed Forces were against Ndigbo.
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