I Didn’t Appoint Any Igbo Service Chief Because My Appointments Are Based On Merit – Buhari Tells S’East Leaders

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, explained why he didn’t pick anyone from the South East while appointing his service chiefs.

President Buhari gave the explanation during his tour of some states in the region where he sought the Ndigbo’s support of his re-election.

The President visited the palace of the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, where some traditional rulers confronted him with allegations that his administration marginalized people from the region.

Responding however, Buhari defended himself and argued that all his appointments, especially in the military, were based on merit.

“I am pleased that you have the courage to present issues about your constituency but I expect you to be more patriotic in your presentation,” said the President.

“In the south east, there are five states, in the north, there are 19 states. In the south east, out of the five states, I think five members of the Federal Executive Council are from this region, Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs, Labour, Science and Technology, and seven of the northern states have only ministers of state.

“I think I tried to be fair. And you can ask these ministers. I never asked them how are they running their parastatals, the boards. I appointed them and I trust them. I allow them work.”

Buhari argued that the same complaints from the South East have been coming from other parts of the country.

“I don’t have to tell you what noise the other states are making especially when compared to the votes I got in 2015. So, I think I try to be fair.

“Those of you who were in the military even in the Biafran Army, know that the entry point is the same and you go for basic training, until you go to your formations or institutions whether it is Army, Navy, AirForce or the police. The most competent or senior person is the one that gets there.

“If there are half a million soldiers, only one man can be the chief of Army staff at a time. This is so for the rest of the troop. In recruitment, we make sure that by states, people are recruited. At least, this is what I do, people are recruited from each state. For those who manage to get recruited, it’s up to them to get to the top if they are professional and work for it.

“The present chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff even the previous Inspector General of Police that just left, I didn’t know them personally before I appointed them. I follow records.

“The same thing with the IG, that one was appointed last week. I don’t think I have ever seen him, I follow records. So, appointments in the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies depends on individual performance after recruitment not where you think you come. At least between me and God, this is what I do,” he said.

Speaking further, President Buhari said the South East has benefited a lot from his administration in terms on infrastructure development.

“On the issue of infrastructure, a lot of you that are here know that the last time the Enugu/Onitsha road was done was during the PTF days and it was also done again from Enugu to Port Harcourt,” he said.