The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismissed allegations of nepotism and favouritism in its appointments, calling them baseless and unfounded.
News About Nigeria reports that a statement issued by the Agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, addressed claims circulating on social media, describing them as “false.”
He said that insinuations in some social media posts suggest that appointments into high-ranking positions are tilted in favour of Northern Muslims against Southern Christians.
The statement provided a breakdown of the agency’s top positions, revealing a Christian-to-Muslim ratio of 63% to 37% among the 108 senior roles.
It listed the religious affiliations of various position holders: “For the benefit of the reading public, the agency would like to state as follows.
“Out of the 20 Directors/Commandants in NDLEA, 14 are Christians and 6 Muslims; of the 14 Zonal Commanders, 9 are Christians and 5 Muslims.”
Further details were provided: “Out of 37 State Commanders, 19 are Christians and 18 are Muslims; of the 14 Special Area Commanders, 10 are Christians and 4 are Muslims; out of 12 Coordinators/Heads of Units, 9 are Christians and 3 are Muslims; while out of 11 Heads of Operation, 7 are Christians and 4 are Muslims.”
The statement concluded: “In all, out of the 108 topmost appointments and positions in the agency, 68 of them are occupied by Christians and 40 Muslims, which represents a ratio of 63% – 37% as against the perception some mischief makers are trying to create against the leadership of the agency.”
The agency assured the public that its leadership remains focused and committed to the goal of curbing the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
It also upheld the tenets of fairness, equity, and merit in its distribution of opportunities for its workforce.”
