Debating the Leadership Structure of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

I do not share this story to tell the American story, but to tell the Nigerian story as it relates to promotions and career advancements in the Nigerian Armed Forces. Over the years, I have ceaselessly pondered over the disparities in the ethnic and geographical makeup within the leadership structure in our entire Armed Forces. And I have my reasons for concern. Recruitment into the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Airforce is based on Federal Character and Quota System - equal representation. However, at the top, you hardly find equal representation based on quota or national spread that defines the recruitment or entry-level? 

So, the question begs to ask, how come will never have the same percentage of Southerners at the recruitment level, making it to the level of a General or Major General concerning the number of Northerners making it to those levels respectively from the recruitment level? There is no disputing the fact that Southerners, at the entry level, have better qualifications, academically speaking. Surprisingly, that academic advantage does not reflect in the scope of their acceleration in climbing the leadership ladder in the Armed Forces. Reading the New York Times story today strikes a chord and my questions seek no further probing or clarifications.  

Please, find below the New York Times explanations of the convoluted career path of Africa Americans in the US Armed Forces and the institutionalized obstacles that continue to define or retard their success story. In our own situation in Nigeria, the institutionalized obstacles are at the auspices of the Hausa/Fulani mafia who dominate the top echelons of our Armed Forces and our entire security networks post the civil war. Now you are beginning to understand why a negligible number of Southern Military Officers make it up to General and Major General levels in their entire military career. They are systematically eliminated or unceremoniously retired or dismissed without cause as their stars begin to shine. 

The New York Times Story is Below.