Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, yesterday, called on the National Assembly to amend the Federal Character Act, which allows a married woman to continue to lay claim to her state of origin in national appointments.

NBA also faulted NASS asking the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Maryam Mukhtar, to swear in Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo, noting that she was not sworn in because her place of origin (Anambra) was different from her husband's state (Abia), where she served as a high court judge.

NBA President, Mr. Okey Wali, who made the call at a special court session by the Supreme Court in honour of the late Kayode Eso, said: "We call on the National Assembly to as a matter of urgent national importance, effect amendment of Paragraph 2 of Part II of the Federal Character Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act Subsidiary Legislation."

The paragraph states: "A married woman shall continue to lay claim to her state of origin for the purpose of implementation of the Federal Character Formula at the national level."

Wali said the provision was against equity, good conscience and natural justice.