COPA maintained that the appointment of the DFA from the same local government area as the CDI raises alarming concerns about the blatant disregard for Federal Character principles.
The Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has petitioned the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Parker, over alleged tribalism, nepotism and abuse of the Federal Character Principle.
The petition followed the appointment of Navy Captain S. K Ogogo (NN/2122) as the Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA) at the Defense Intelligence Agency.
COPA in the petition addressed to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said the appointment starkly undermines the principles of fairness and equity, especially when there are numerous qualified individuals suitable for the role.
The Coalition in the petition written through the Law Corridor, dated February 23, 2024 and signed by its National Coordinator, Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq., accused General Parker of consistently demonstrating favouritism towards his kinsmen in violation of the Federal Character principles.
Titled: ‘Petition Against Chief Of Defence Intelligence For Tribalism And Abuse Of Federal Character Principle,’ the group called on the defence minister to swiftly investigate the petition and take decisive action it deserves to rectify the situation.
It wrote, "We write on behalf of the Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates (COPA), a dedicated advocacy organization committed to upholding social justice, equity, and good governance in Nigeria.
"We are deeply troubled by the pervasive tribalism, abuse of Federal Character principles, and nepotism evident within the Nigerian Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) under the leadership of Major General Parker, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).
"It has come to our attention that Major General Parker has consistently demonstrated favoritism towards his kinsmen, notably evidenced by the recent appointment of Navy Captain S. K Ogogo (NN/2122) as the Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA) at the Defense Intelligence Agency.
"This appointment starkly undermines principles of fairness and equity, especially when there are numerous qualified individuals suitable for the role."
COPA maintained that the appointment of the DFA from the same local government area as the CDI raises alarming concerns about the blatant disregard for Federal Character principles.
It said, "Such actions only serve to perpetuate corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency within the DIA.
"At a time when the current administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is diligently working to stabilize the nation's economy and address pressing security challenges, it is imperative that all government agencies operate with the utmost integrity and transparency. Any display of corruption, nepotism, or tribalism undermines the government's efforts and erodes public trust.
"We implore you, Honorable Minister, to swiftly investigate this matter and take decisive action to rectify the situation. Appointments within the DIA must be based on merit, competence, and strict adherence to federal character principles, rather than personal or tribal affiliations.
"Failure to address these issues will not only compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the DIA but also undermine the credibility of the Nigerian military and government institutions as a whole.
"COPA remains committed to supporting the government's endeavors, but we cannot stand idly by while the actions of a few jeopardize the progress of the entire nation. We trust that you will prioritize this matter and ensure that corrective measures are implemented without delay."