By Unini Chioma
The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Hon. Justice S. Garba, has nominated Mrs. Nkem Martins D. Akpuoye as the Disability Desk Officer of the FCT High.
This is contained in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Albino Foundation, Mr. Jake Epelle dated 23rd June, 2021.
“I am directed to reply to your letter and also to convey the Hon. Chief Judge’s nomination of Mrs. Nkem Martins D. Akpuoye as the Disability Desk Officer of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
“As always, peace accepts the assurances of His Lordship’s warm regards.” the letter reads in part.
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The Disability Desk Officer would serve as a liaison officer for persons with disabilities at the FCT High Court, ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all court activities from the provision of sign language interpreter when necessary, all court information in an accessible format, and implementation of disability law in FCT High Court.
Recall that the President of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Olumide Akpata in his Wellcome Address during the meeting of the NBA-NEC tabled a proposal which was canvassed for the creation of Section on Disability Law.
A senior member from Enugu Bar, Raphael Christopher had also called for the creation of the specialized section of NBA that will monitor the implementation of all disability laws and regulations in Nigeria.
“Lawyers with disabilities are by virtue of their experiences are best placed to lead us in the objective of tackling discrimination against the disabled under the relevant Acts and enable us to have an NBA for all.
Once the NBA section has been established then they can lead the drive to help our society come to the realization that disabled Nigerians are just like us and have worth just like us and we have a duty to defend them and help them to be treated fairer so their amazing talents and abilities can be harnessed to create a better NBA for all and a stronger, prosperous Nigeria of which we all can be proud of.” Mr. Christopher submitted.