Worried by the reluctance of youths to participate in the on-going police recruitment exercise, Abia State Government, has directed all 17 Mayors, traditional rulers and President Generals of various communities in the state, to quickly embark on mass mobilisation of their youths to fill the state’s quota.
Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, in a statement issued Friday, regretted that the state’s allocation “in the ongoing police recruitment exercise has been grossly underutilized.”
The statement further read: “Regrettably too, about 700 candidates invited for interview in the ongoing recruitment exercise are yet to show up
“To this end, the Executive Governor of Abia state, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, has directed all Local Government Mayors, Chairmen of Traditional Rulers Councils and their members in all the LGAs, President Generals of Town Unions, and Community leaders to immediately mobilize their youths for this very important exercise to ensure that the state’s quota is filled.
“The Governor further directed all those who have been invited for the interview as a matter of urgency, to appear for the exercise. Abia cannot be left out in the scheme of any aspect of Nigeria’s socio-political and economic life.
“All invited candidates who are yet to show up for the recruitment exercise for one reason or the other should approach the office of the Hon Commissioner for information and Culture for further clarifications. Call or text to 09067409284 or 08029968511
“The future belongs to our Youths. In the spirit of the new Abia, our Youths must prepare for their future now!”
In a swift reaction, former Chairman of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Senator Emman Nwaka, commended Gov. Otti for the move.
The 3rd Republic Senator condemned the aloofness of Abia youths in recruitment into military and paramilitary agencies.
He suggested introduction of little incentives to lure the youths, as well as engagement of retired service men to sensitize the youths on the benefits in the service.
He said:”Your Excellency, I welcome your efforts to encourage Abians to fill our quota in the recruitment exercise of the police, army, immigration and the rest of them. The aloofness of our youths is worrisome.