By Jen Jibrin
The Nigerian paramilitary recruitment from the Civil Defense, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIS) under the federal ministry of interior has failed Taraba State in federal character principles.
Thousands of graduates from Taraba have applied to be recruited in the Nigerian Paramilitary establishments. Unfortunately, the list recently released by CDCFIS board has failed capture Taraba indigenous candidates. What is seen from the list of successful candidates were names reflecting candidates from the southeast.
However, this piece does not in anyway discredit or discriminate against many non-indigenes living in Taraba State. It is rather sad to see that the indigenous people of Taraba are not recognized in the selection process after the CDCFIS board conducted its exams last year.
There are three reasons why Taraba indigenous candidates were not shortlisted. One, Taraba elected representatives at the National Assembly must have given out their slots to Abuja network and those who likely have sold the slots to job seeking unsuspecting applicants from the southeast.
Two, the perceived southern shortlisted candidates in the name of Taraba indigenes must have used money to obtain Taraba indigene letters from corrupt local officials and used them to apply as indigenes of Taraba.
Three, CDCFIS must have violated the constitution in collaboration with the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense to deny Taraba people the opportunity to be recruited.
Worrisome, All names reflecting successful candidates from Taraba State do not come with individual phone numbers for any verification by the Nigerian people. This is a ploy to hide their real identity from the people of Taraba.
Of course, Taraba state government is also culpable in allowing such kind of injustice meted out to its citizens from the recruitment exercise carried out by the CDCFIS board.
Recall that in March 2020, Gov. Darius Ishaku met with the minister of Interior Hon. Rauf Arebegshola in Abuja to discuss strategic partnerships with the federal government in respect to internal security among others.
There is an urgent need for the Taraba State government as well as elected representatives at the National Assembly to petition the minister of interior and seek redress in the entire recruitment process by the CDCFIS board.
Taraba State government and its citizens must immediately stop corrupt local officials from selling their birthright for peanuts while denying themselves the opportunity to be gainfully employed in federal establishments.
Succinctly, as people from the Nature’s gift to the nation, let’s stop vilifying each other in the name of ethnic and religious affiliations. Let’s unite and fight against injustice being our common enemy. God bless Taraba
Jen Jibrin, writes from Asokoro District, Abuja
