Unity: Sen. Melaye wants state-of-origin replaced with state-of-residence

Sen. Dino Melaye, Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, has suggested the replacement of state of-origin with state-of-residence, to enthrone oneness among Nigerians.

Melaye made the call on Friday in Abuja, at a ceremony to unveil the logo/medal of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) to mark PCN’s 18th year of existence.

According to him, the step will cement relationships among the people and minimise ethnicity.

“Ethnic bigotry should be shunned; there should be a replacement of the state-of-origin to unite the country.

“Any responsible person that has lived in a particular place for a certain number of years can aspire to any political position including that state’s governor seat,” he said.

He, however, called for the `rebirth’ of the country, and challenged youths to guard against moral decadence.

Melaye also charged Nigerian youths to maximise their talents so as to contribute to national growth.

The senator called for re-orientation and attitudinal change that would revive Nigeria’s value system, and stressed the need to imbibe a culture of volunteerism.

“There is also the need for the review of the educational system so as to teach more morals, values and culture with a view to building falling walls,’’ Melaye said.

He assured the PCN that the bill for its ratification would pass the third reading at the National Assembly.

The PCN Commandant, Mr Dickson Akoh, commended the House of Representatives for recently passing the bill for an Act to establish the PCN.

“This all-important achievement alone calls for celebration as the PCN reaches 18.

“It is in view of that remarkable stride that we resolved to commemorate this year’s anniversary.

“This may be the last anniversary we will be celebrating as a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) as we are in the process of transforming into a government establishment,’’ Akoh said.

The Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Mr Garba Abari, also acknowledged that PCN had worked and toiled toward resolving conflicts, peace building and engaging youths to divert their attention from violence.

Abari called on Nigerians to believe in the aims and objectives of PCN as the body had remained consistent in the training, educating and re-orientation of Nigerian youths on the ideals of good leadership and what was expected of them.