‘Work of mischief makers’ — NDLEA denies allegations of lopsided appointments

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has denied allegations of nepotism and favouritism in the appointment of its directors and commanders.

In a statement on Thursday, Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the agency, said 68 out of the 108 topmost appointments and positions in the agency are occupied by Christians, while 40 are filled by Muslims.

Babafemi denied that appointments in the agency have been tilted in favour of northern Muslims against southern Christians.

He said 14 out of the 20 directors in NDLEA are Christians while six are Muslims, adding that nine out of 14 zonal commanders in the agency are Christians and five are Muslims.

“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; out of 37 state commanders, 19 are Christians and 18 Muslims; of the 14 special area commanders, 10 are Christians and 4 Muslims; out of 12 coordinators/heads of units, 9 are Christians and 3 Muslims; while out of 11 heads of operations, 7 are Christians and 4 are Muslims,” the statement reads.

“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% to 37% as against the perception some mischief makers are trying to create against the leadership of the agency.

“The agency wishes to assure the public that its leadership remains focused and committed to the goal of curbing the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking while upholding the tenets of fairness, equity, and merit in its distribution of opportunities for its workforce.”