Kaduna: PWDs seek political appointments in Uba Sani’s cabinet

By Philip Yatai

The Disability Community in Kaduna State has appealed to the state Governor-Elect, Sen. Uba Sani to appoint Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into  his cabinet.

Representatives of the community, made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Sunday.

They said that the measure would deepen inclusion of PWDs in governance.

Malam Rilwan Abdullahi, National President, National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities in Nigeria (NAPWPDN), said that the appointments would reduce discrimination against PWDs.

Abdullahi said  that including PWDs in Sani’s cabinet would give them the  privilege to contribute their quota to the inclusive development of the state.

“We congratulate Sen. Uba Sani for winning the governorship election in the state and appeal to him to reserve a certain percentage of political positions for PWDs.

“Beyond giving us the position of Special Assistant of Disability Affairs, we have competent hands that can handle any ministry, department or agencies and make a difference.

“The disability community want Uba Sani to make history as the first governor in the state to appoint a PWDs  as commissioner and executives of agencies and parastatals,” he said.

Mr Suleiman Abdulazeez, State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), called on the governor-elect to fully implement the Disability Law signed by Gov. Nasir El-Rufai.

Abdulazeez said that the law seeks to address concerns, discrimination, and exclusion of PWDs in all spheres of life.

He said that the law was signed on April 30, 2021, after 10 years of relentless advocacy by the disability community, Civil Society Organisations, and the media.

“The law seeks to among other things ensure that persons with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else in the society.

“The law also guarantees equal opportunities for PWDs in the public and private sectors to contribute their quota in the development of the society.

“It also seeks to ensure that every PWD has equal access to public buildings, facilities, and services delivery.

“While El-rufai will be living a legacy of signing the law, Uba Sani should work towards living a legacy of implementing the law,” he said.

Mr Smith Waya,  Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment & Development,  called on the governor-elect to strengthen the participation of PWDs in the governance process.

Waya  said that the measure would give the PWDs a sense of belonging.

He  is also the Programme Officer, USAID-supported Advocacy and Capacity Strengthening of Young Persons with Disabilities on Inclusive Education in Kaduna State

Waya urged the incoming administration to create PWD Desk Officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that will  implement programmes for persons with disabilities.

He also called on the governor-elect to sustain all reforms and implement policies, laws, and programmes that protect the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.

He commended Gov. Nasir El-rufai for making education free and compulsory for all children from primary to secondary schools in the state.

He, however, said that students with disabilities in higher institutions in Kaduna State persistently face stigma and discrimination.

“There is also the absence of adequate PWDs-friendly facilities including accessible infrastructure, learning materials.

“We, therefore, called on the incoming administration to prioritise inclusive education at all levels to address the diversity of needs of students, particularly PWDs.

“Service providers should also be trained to be able to provide effective services to PWDs in all sectors,” he appealed.

(NAN)