Recruitment into security agencies is politicized – Governor Zulum

Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum has said that recruitment into Nigerian security services is political.

On Wednesday, September 29, Zulum made the claim while delivering a lecture titled ‘Ungoverned Space and Insecurity in the Sahelian Region: Implications for Nigeria Domestic Peace and Security’ at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.

According to Zulum, some of those recruited into security agencies are just there because they have no other job. He stated that such people show no commitment or dedication.

He said;

“The major problem is the recruitment process. Those being recruited into the Nigerian Army, police and other security agencies are job seekers. Many of them are there because they don’t have a job.

“Those enlisted 20 years ago are performing well, but these people are looking for employment only. So, there’s no commitment and dedication.

“These days, governors, ministers and other top government functionaries have slots. Nobody is to interview them whether they are qualified or not. Admission into Nigerian Army, police and others are now politicized.

“Unless we get it right, nothing will happen in this country.

“If we want to make progress, we must ensure that we pick the best. If not, we shall continue to recruit the dull ones. We must engage those that can deliver because we have a lot of competent Nigerians.”

On decentralizing the police, Zulum said;

“Honestly speaking, I, Babagana Zulum, will not support it, not because I don’t like it, but because of the implications.

“Nigeria is not mature for state police. Some state governors can use it to wipe away other tribes apart from their tribes.

“So, we have to be very careful. If half of the power given to the Nigeria Army, police and others are given to state police, Nigeria will be in problem.”