The Mbakor Rebirth Movement (MRM) has petitioned the Federal Character Commission (FCC) over the distribution of recruitment slots in the 2026 Nigerian Air Force recruitment exercise in Benue State, alleging marginalisation of the Tiv ethnic group.
In a petition dated July 20, jointly signed by its President, Hon. Emmanuel Terser Ibua, and Secretary, Hon. Solomon Mtomga Imen, the group claimed that out of the 22 slots allocated to Benue State, only three were given to candidates from the Tiv-speaking areas, while 19 went to candidates from the Idoma and Igede areas.
The group argued that the allocation was unfair, noting that Tiv people occupy 14 of the state’s 23 local government areas and constitute the largest ethnic group in Benue. It further alleged that the Mbakor sub-clan of the Tiv, based in Tarka Local Government Area, did not secure a single slot despite its historical contributions to the country.
“In summary, 14 LGAs received three slots, while nine LGAs received 19 slots. The Mbakor sub-clan received no representation at all,” the petition stated.
The MRM maintained that the allocation undermined the principles of equity, fairness, and broad representation enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. The group said the outcome created “the impression of systemic exclusion” and sent a wrong signal to young people that population, merit, and contribution did not matter.
The petition highlighted the contributions of the Mbakor sub-clan, which has produced several prominent Nigerians, including senators, members of the House of Representatives, governors, commissioners, police commissioners, local government chairmen, and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The movement urged the Federal Character Commission to investigate the criteria used for the Benue recruitment exercise and provide a public explanation for the observed imbalance. It also called on the commission to engage the Nigerian Air Force to address the alleged anomaly and ensure future exercises reflect population size, geopolitical spread, and the principles of equity and federal character.
The petition was copied to the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, the Chief of Air Staff, the Benue State Governor, the senators representing Benue North-West and North-East, as well as members of the House of Representatives from the state.
