The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district in the Nigerian Senate, Dino Melaye has called for the abolishing of the clause and question which normally requires Nigerians to disclose their state of origin in official documents. He said that as Nigerians, it is illegal to ask such question as that often leads to discrimination in public service, university admission and in the allocation of contracts and other public services in Nigeria. He disclosed that he has sponsored a bill in the senate to this affect and asked his colleagues and Nigerians to support its passing.
Senator Melaye who was a guest speaker at the annual Silverbird Man of the Year Award which held at Eko Hotel, Lagos on Sunday night, 19th February 2017 said that the right question to ask is State of residence as that is more appropriate for economic planning.
He called on Nigerians particularly young people to be brave and courageous at all times and to speak truth to power as that is the best way Nigeria can surmount the myriad of challenges it currently faces.
Comcluding, Senator Melaye charged those in authority to always obey the rule of law and observe the universal principle of separation of powers to justify the confidence the electorates have reposed on them.
There were many award categories given to deserving Nigerians on the night including the biggest award of Silverbird Man of the Year 2016 which was won by Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state.
-Uche Nworah