A group representing 2,000 recruits who have undergone three months induction training of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) 2015 recruitment exercise, but with no appointment letters yet, has pleaded with the senators and members of the House of Representatives to please help them regain the job for which they were recruited and trained.

Some of the applicants yesterday staged a protest at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja, brandishing different placards to express what they described as the unjust suspension of their appointments. News Express was told that “the 2,000 recruits, from across the country, have been unjustly dispersed after undergoing rigorous recruitment process.”

The spokesperson of the group, who preferred anonymity, said: “We have done series of aptitude tests, examinations, oral interviews and document verification. After these, we were documented and given service numbers, posting letters, but yet to be given appointment letters.

“We went through three months training which involved military drills, fire-arms training and combat training. We were not provided with accommodation, transport allowances and feeding, but most of us took loans to survive. Now, loans have turned to debts with no means of payment.”

He added: “It is exactly two months today that we have been sent home, making it 61 days that our agonies, pains and sufferings have been ignored. We have been patient enough, hoping that this dispensation of ‘change’ will bring positivity into our case, but our expectations were dashed.

“Today, we are gathered here because we have chosen hope over fear, and unity of purpose over discord. Majority had to quit their jobs. And some had to suspend their studies for the chance to serve their fatherland, but most of us are now left with no means of livelihood.”

One of the protesters noted: “We need our job back and we want the Appointment Letters of the 400 AS12 officers to be released by the appropriate authorities. We want to be integrated fully into the Nigerian Immigration Service.”

The group said they unanimously chose to call on the National Assembly, because it was the fortress that could put an end to the scourge of injustice plaguing them right now.

•Photo shows Entrance to the National Assembly.

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