Obi also encouraged FG and other Nigerians to promote ‘social inclusion’ among them
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Anambra State governor and the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 presidential election, Peter Obi has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led government to break all barriers of discrimination against those living with disabilities.
He made the plea on Sunday via a statement he shared on his X handle (formerly Twitter), while commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
He also demanded a better nation for disabled Nigerians, noting that their disabilities were not by their making.
The former governor lamented that bad governance in the country had led to needless hardship among those in this category.
He went on to appeal that the government and Nigerians should ensure social inclusion for them.
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Obi further said the FG should ensure that they have access to healthcare and education and guarantee they thrive and fully explore their potential.
Speaking via his social media page, he tweeted: “As the world commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, I join other compassionate Nigerians in identifying with and celebrating these differently abled persons in our midst.
“I join in demanding a better nation for them as fellow compatriots, living with disabilities not by their making. Living with disabilities should not be a death sentence, or society stigmatization, but should be a platform that calls up the humanity in us as their brothers and sisters.
“It’s unfortunate that in our clime where good governance is hard to come by leading to needless hardship, those living with disabilities in our midst feel the pinch more as life becomes more difficult for them.
“The World Health Organisation reports that about 35.1 million persons are living with disabilities in Nigeria. Such a significant number of people must be cared for by the government so that they can live their lives in full, and contribute positively to the development of the nation.
“In caring for persons living with disabilities, the government must ensure that they have access to healthcare and education, which are not only critical for national development, but will ensure that they thrive and fully explore their potentials.
“We, as a people, must break all barriers of discrimination against those living with disabilities. We are all differently gifted. The government should also ensure social inclusion for persons living with disabilities.
“In keeping with the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, all public organizations are to reserve at least five percent of employment opportunities for these persons. This will ensure that they are adequately represented in both governance and the public sector.
“Every Nigerian has the potential to contribute to nation-building and we will leave nobody behind in our journey to New Nigeria.”