Tiv Community Petitions Federal Character Commission Over Air Force Recruitment Shortlist, Alleges Marginalization

The Mbakor Tiv community has petitioned the Federal Character Commission, alleging what it describes as the marginalization of Tiv people in the recent Nigerian Air Force recruitment exercise conducted in Benue State.

According to the petition, the community expressed dissatisfaction with the distribution of shortlisted candidates, claiming that out of 22 successful applicants from the state, 19 were from the Idoma ethnic group while only three were Tiv. The petitioners argued that the outcome does not reflect the state’s ethnic diversity and called on the Federal Character Commission to investigate the recruitment process.

The group reportedly stated that Benue State belongs to all its indigenous ethnic groups and urged relevant authorities to ensure that future recruitment exercises adhere to the principles of fairness, equity, and the federal character policy enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

The petition further called on the Federal Character Commission and other relevant federal agencies to review the recruitment exercise and address what the community described as an imbalance in the allocation of recruitment slots.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force, the Federal Character Commission, and representatives of the Idoma community had not publicly responded to the allegations. The claims contained in the petition remain allegations by the petitioners and have not been independently verified.

The development has generated discussion among stakeholders, with many calling for transparency and equal opportunities for all qualified applicants, irrespective of ethnic background.