The House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Nigeria Air Force Recruitment, on Monday cleared the organisation of allegations of sentiments in its recruitment.
The committee which was on oversight visit to the Nigeria Air Force [NAF] base in Kaduna, said its investigations revealed that the recruitment exercise followed strict procedures.
The chairman of the committee, Mr Golu Simon, said claims of sentiments in the recruitment exercise were misplaced.
“We are satisfied with what we have seen at the recruitment exercise, because we have seen the rigours the officers of the NAF go through to bring out the best brains that will serve the country.
“Sometimes when applicants are disqualified, they feel it is for one reason or the other, people begin to ascribe sentiments to it.
“But we are here as representatives of the people, many of our candidates could not make it here and we are happy with the procedure because they were disqualified not for any bad reason, but because they did not meet the requirements.”
Simon advised applicants who were disqualified not to attach sentiments but take it in good faith.
The chairman assured that the National Assembly would provide the Nigeria Air Force with the necessary support to succeed.
“Such support is not only to NAF, but any government institution, because we want agencies of government that have sensitive mandate and responsibility to take a cue from what NAF is doing.
“This is a sensitive organization that has to do with protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and I am confidently telling you that no candidate can beat anybody here by bringing in fake certificates,” he said.
Earlier, the Director of Recruitment, Resettlement and Reserve, AVM Gali Abdul-Wahab, said 2,000 applicants would be recruited into the service out of the 6,000 shortlisted.
“We have candidate who know they are not qualified but still apply to come into the service and they block the chance for qualified candidates from their local governments.
“Many candidates brings credentials they cannot defend, you will see a candidate
with chains of credit, yet basic arithmetic is a problem; some you may be surprised to know, cannot read a newspaper,” the director said.
Abdul-Wahab assured that the Nigeria Air Force would not compromise its recruitment criteria for anybody.(NAN)