The Lagos State Government has urged the arrest and trial of six candidates involved in the Nigerian Army recruitment process who falsely claimed to be indigenes of the state.
The candidates, originally from Kaduna State, were caught on video asserting false local government affiliations within Lagos to secure slots designated for Lagos State indigenes.
The revelation has prompted strong reactions from Lagos residents, expressing concerns about the potential unfairness in the recruitment process. The state government, while not officially notified of the matter, has called for the immediate arrest and trial of the individuals involved.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, emphasized the gravity of attempting to falsely claim Lagos indigeneship, labeling it as a criminal act. He urged the police to take swift action and prosecute the offenders under perjury laws.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of the six candidates involved in the fraudulent activity. The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, asserted that the arrests demonstrate the commitment of the Nigerian Army to ensuring a transparent and credible recruitment process.
The video circulating on social media captured the candidates attempting to manipulate their state of origin to secure positions designated for Lagos indigenes. Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu stated that the investigation would be conducted to determine the extent of fraudulent activities and identify those behind the act.
While assuring the public of a thorough inquiry, Nwachukwu warned prospective candidates against attempting to manipulate the recruitment process, emphasizing that such actions would be met with the full force of the law. He underscored the Army’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process.
Former Minister of Communications and ex-General Officer Commanding, Three Armoured Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd.), has called on Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to investigate what he described as a violation of the constitutional rights of Lagos State indigenes.
Olanrewaju criticized the procedural wrongs and constitutionally unacceptable actions, urging the Lagos State government to take decisive measures against those providing fake indigene identity to non-indigenous residents.
He proposed the establishment of an autonomous Verification System Unit to ensure a more rigorous and abuse-resistant recruitment process.
The unfolding scandal raises questions about the effectiveness of current indigeneship verification measures and highlights the need for comprehensive reforms in the recruitment procedures to prevent future abuses.
