*Wants Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo LGA to step aside
Our attention has been drawn to a video that has gone viral online revealing a number of candidates who are non-indigenes of Lagos State and were issued ‘Letter of Indigeneship’ to use the slots of Lagos indigenes in the ongoing recruitment in the Nigeria Army.
Nobody would see and listen to the video and would not be repulsive about the violation of the constitutional rights of indigenes of Lagos State. There is an ongoing indigenes’ recruitment in Lagos State into the Nigerian Army. I believe this is procedurally wrong, constitutionally and democratically unacceptable, and it is a big slap on the national goal of achieving peace and unity of the country.
If this video is fake, let it be. But if not, I’m requesting the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to please use his good office to look into this matter and, if true, interrogate and stop it.
As for the ruling Lagos State government and responsible agencies, including Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, they are implored to step in and stop those who dish out fake indigene identity to non-indigenous residents in Lagos State in general. Some of the ways we feel these rampant abuses could be reduced by law will be outlined later in this article. This video has highlighted one of the various methods and ways indigenous Lagosians have been losing their slots as guaranteed in the Constitution.
Issues emanating from this video have been traced to Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, even though the Media Office of the Local Government’s Executive Chairman has released a statement trying to deny it, but the issue should not be swept under the carpet.
Our Local Government Area and Local Council Development Area Chairmen are not concerned and conscious of power of true Lagos State Indigeneship. Same applies to our Obas, traditional Chiefs and Baales. Securing certificate, letter or any documents of Lagos State Indegenship by individual must be thoroughly scrutinised, secured and not offered on the altar of money or friendship. Non-indigenes should go to their states for whatever they are required to present, which may require their State of Origin’s approval whenever they want to join any of the national services. They have their own vacancies awaiting them in their various local governments and there are 774 Local Governments in the federation.
Our IBILE Indigeneship application conditions are too porous and susceptible to abuses because they are not secured and are obtained under pretences of money and friendship. Very critical also is that most of the Chairmen of LGAs and LCDAs are not themselves true Indigenous IBILE persons. Same applies to some civil servants in the Lagos public services. These are believers of “Lagos State belongs to all”.
Therefore, there is no doubt that the quota of Lagos State are usurped by the Yorubas of the South West, Kwara and Kogi State or even those of other states that could easily buy-out the Lagos State Indigeneship certificates. I am sure same have been happening in other Security Agencies, Federal Civil Service Commission and other Department and Agencies. This is not a talk-shop matter anymore but walking the talk as a purposeful unit.
THE WAY OUT
First, the Chairman of the Oshodi-Isolo LGA must step aside for thorough investigation to take place. He cannot investigate himself.
Second, the Executive Governor/Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice are both respectfully requested to present an enabling law to the House of Assembly to be passed on “The Verification System Unit” that is autonomous and staffed by IBILE Indigeneous Staff, and established in the 5 Divisions of the State.
Its function is to liaise with the Armed Forces and link with Governor’s Office, Alausa. They will deal with recruitment and further follow up with the interview processes and monitor those shortlisted for admissions into the Armed Forces. This is what most of the states in the North do now. If this approach is fine-tuned properly, the law will help to reduce abuses associated with Lagos State slots allocated to it.
This method is doable and feasible, provided there is collective action and purposeful desire and political willpower.
*Major-General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd),
Former Minister of Communications and former General Officer Commanding (GOC), Third Armoured Division, Nigerian Army.
God bless everyone with the correction of this overly pending issue.The Western states particularly Lagos state has tied itself to a quota system that has long been jettysoned by the other two by parties concerned: the North& South.Records,news, articles e.t.c. abound on this and any leader would take actions as it affect the various aspects of life of his people – employment, education, e.t.c.
The fact is that the Western states need to stop toying with it’s future leaders and labor capacities. Why is it that recruitment is not given enough wide publicity. I have read of the unemployed ,& graduate who for lacks of gainful employment sought to be enlisted but for lack of information, connection, e.t.c. or that spaces/vacancies have been filled, especially by non indigenes!.This !. While the indigenes are left condemned to a fate which is non of their doing or intent of theirs!, particularly after spending the much needed money,strength& time for good foundation in education, still find themselves denied of more opportunities to better their livelihood.
This is shear wickedness on your own sons,daughters, sisters, brothers,uncles, aunts, relations, friends and acquitances.
The Westerns states definitely must correct all the anormalies as expressed in this article and more particularly standing by to protect the indigenes & ensure their progress is monitored during recruitments in every way possible!.
There is need to be more proactive in all fields of specialties because it had continued to be infiltrated by non indigenes.Do you forget the insecurities in the country so easily!!!.Infact,a separate training to ensure indigenes’ participation & infusion should begin fill the lapses created earlier.
The indigenes’ welfare must be well protected too, even better than the others have done theirs. Remember, nobody can protect your property like you. If you truly know your onions.And this is why I am baffled by the western states that have knowledge &know the value of education can afford to kid around with the lives& properties of the indigenes & peoples.
Please, all hands must be on deck to revive, promote, maintain & sustain the influx of indigenes into the spares of life., particularly the military. Imagine!,all our educated youths have been turned to ‘agbero due to our inactions, ignorance, fraudulent act, misinformation& misplacement of priorities!.
Even if it means including it in the curriculum and ensure it is one of the avenues to gain entry into the military,all western states must start acting now!.A lesson from the child who ignorantly led killers to Parent & people. Defence skills should begin from primary. Nobody should die before death is due!.Above all,we should stop toying with education in all it’s ramifications.
Even the president is not from Lagos State but claiming Lagos
I don’t know why this issue is generating so much attention, recruitment of some jobless youth has become a topic of talk, first are these guys Gambians? If they eventually get recruited are they serving Kaduna state? Quarter system? What is the direct or indirect benefit of Quarter system to Lagos State? Pls enough of these idleness, go get something that is important to write on, cos this is immaterial
Lagosians should encourage their children to come out and take their slots whenever there is national recruitment as done by the army.
A Dept in the Ministry of Local Government or Information should be charged with the responsibility of civic education on the need for our children to take our slots otherwise outsiders with privilege Information will always take the advantage.
There’s no point throwing banters at those at the helm of affairs at the council levels in Lagos state. The reason for this is glaring. The LGAs and LDAs are all out on Aggressive Revenue Mobilisation /Generation Drive. It’s obvious that issuing these Certificates of Origin is one of the sources of Revenue Generation at the Local Government Council.
Therefore, you can’t eat your cake and have it back.
The point is that Lagosians are not the ones leading Lagos. Even the president himself is not a Lagosian.
The culprits had confirmed that it was a business centre that issued the letter to them, then, why asking the Council chairman of Oshodi-isolo solely to step aside while other Councils names were also mentioned.