By EMMA ELEKWA, Onitsha

Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in Anambra State has urged the Federal Government to decentralise issuance of National Identity Number (NIN) by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The state chairman, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme who gave the advice on Wednesday in Onitsha, described the NIN as not only money spinning venture, but being issued to the highest bidder.

Ezekwueme who was flanked by his secretary, Chidi Mbah, also appealed to State Coordinator, (NIMC) to pay an impromptu visit to various Local Government offices of the Commission in the state for on the spot assessment and verification of alleged extortion of Citizens who besieged its offices for registration.

He said, “It is existential reality that National Identity Number registration is free and must be strictly adhered to in line with Federal Government directive.

“In view of deluge of complaints lodged in our office and excruciating pain and suffering experienced by registrants. This not only leaves much to be desired, but also discouraged citizens as some have went to four times without success.

“An elderly statesman, Chief Dr Mentus Onwuaso lamented how he tried three times to register but to no avail. Torrents of complaints over demand for gratification before being registered and collection of permanent card has jeopardized good intentions of government.

“It is pertinent for government to put strident measures to fish out those sabotaging good government policies and programmes to the detriment of the citizenry.

“Government should decentralise registration centres to include Churches, mosques and banks for easy access to citizenry. We remind citizenry on the inevitable need to be alive to their civic responsibilities and observe government policies and programmes.”

The CLO boss however commended Federal Government for extending deadline for linking Sim Card with National Identify Number. (The Nation)

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