Kano House of Assembly has faulted the recruitment exercise of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), citing gross lopsidedness that is detrimental to the state.

Besides, the Assembly raised the alarm over the rising banditry in the Shannon council area of the state by criminals from neighbouring Katsina State.

The Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, alleged a gross imbalance in the ongoing recruitment into the NSC, claiming the process favoured candidates from the southern part of the country.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) member representing the Dala constituency, who raised the concern during yesterday’s plenary, insisted that the NSC recruitment violated the principles of federal character.

The lawmaker affirmed that consideration in the federal establishment should ensure fairness and equal representation of all parts and regions in the spirit of Federal Character.

While buttressing his argument, Dala stated that a total of 1,785 candidates were recruited nationwide, alleging that the distribution of the slots heavily favoured states in the South-West, particularly those from Lagos and Ogun.

Comparing the allocations given to states in the South, Dala lamented that North-Western states suffered a large disparity, describing it as “unacceptable and unjustifiable.”

The lawmaker further contended that across the northern region, only 651 slots were allotted, while the bulk of the opportunities went to states in the southern part of the country.

He, therefore, called for the cancellation of the exercise and the constitution of a genuine panel that would do justice to all sections of the country.

Others who spoke on the matter supported Dala’s motion, calling on northern lawmakers at the National Assembly to take up the issue and ensure that corrective measures were taken.

The Speaker commended Dala for bringing the matter to light, describing it as a patriotic move in defence of fairness and justice.

He directed the relevant House Committee to investigate the recruitment figures and report back for further legislative action. (The Guardian)