BY DANIEL IDONOR

ABUJA – President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday declared that nobody, particularly the people of the South-East geo-political zone, owed him favour or gratitude for appointing one of their own, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, as the Chief of Army Staff.

He gave reasons he appointed the Igbo son, saying that it was aimed at ensuring equal opportunity for all Nigerians.

Jonathan insisted that besides merit, which must not be compromised, his government was driven by the principle of fairness, equity and justice, irrespective of ethnic nationality or religion.

The President declared that the appointment was based on merit and his resolve not to discriminate against any ethnic nationality in the country but ensure equal opportunities for all.

He stated this during a courtesy call on Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, led by its Chairman, His Majesty, Eze John Akaniru, in Aba, where the PDP presidential flag was hoisted. yesterday.

Jonathan said it was against the backdrop of his administration’s policy of equality  of all Nigerians, that after a critical analyses of the submissions, and the conviction of his brilliance and competence amongst his contemporaries, he approved the elevation of Gen. Ihejirika.