If we want to strengthen the unity of this country, we should all advocate the abolition of ‘state of origin’ – Okey Bakassi

Popular comedian, Okey Bakassi, has called on the Nigerian Government to eliminate the concept of “state of origin” in the country.

Bakassi argued that the state of origin creates division among Nigerians.

During an event in Lagos over the weekend, he expressed his belief that Nigeria would achieve greater unity if the emphasis shifted to the state of residence rather than the state of origin.

According to him: “If we want to strengthen the unity of this country, we should all advocate the abolition of ‘state of origin’ and emphasise ‘state of residence’.

“I don’t see why in 2023, we should be filling out a form and asking people for their ‘state of origin’ or ‘tribe’.

“Is it the tribe one belongs to that will determine how the person will function in office?

“I think what should be more important to anybody should be one’s state of residence. It does not contribute anything to national development.”