The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the composition of the governing council of the newly-established National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. SIGNED:
In a statement by the party’s deputy national publicity secretary, Yekini Nabena, the party said the composition of the board is in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019.
“We particularly welcome the appointment of Mr. James Lalu as the commission’s Executive Secretary. Lalu is Member, representing Persons with Disabilities in the APC Caretaker Committee/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee.
“Indeed, this is a welcome reward following many years of struggle by the Disabled Community in Nigeria for a Commission. Also recall that President Buhari signed into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019, following many years of relentless advocacy by disability rights groups and activists.
“According to the World Health Organization, about 15 percent of Nigeria’s population, or at least 25 million people, have a disability. Many of them face a number of human rights abuses including stigma, discrimination, violence, and lack of access to healthcare, housing, and education.
“Notably, the APC as a party and government has been at the forefront of including and mainstreaming marginalised groups in governance and other facets of our national life. The President’s establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and subsequent appointment of deserving officials to run the commision is another laudable step in empowering Persons with Disabilities.
“The APC remain a home for Persons with Disabilities giving them hope in party politics and Governance. The party is working on a Construction amendment to strengthen the rights of Persons with Disabilities in our Party. We particularly commend the passion of the supervising Minister Haj. Sadiya Umar Farouq for championing disability inclusion in governance by reserving 10% opportunities in N-Power and Minister of Labor for approving 10% in the ongoing public world Programme of the Buhari Administration
“The party will continue to promote the rights and dignity of Persons with Disabilities and all vulnerable groups in Nigeria in the spirit of Progressives,” the APC said.