The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu recently payed a friendly visit to the Police Public Relations Officer CP Frank Mba in his office at Louise Edet House Abuja to discuss a common ground between the Nigerian Police and Disabilities community.
The disclosure was made in a press statement signed by Head Media and Publicity (NCPWD), Mbanefo JohnMichael I. today, 14th August, 2021
In his remarks the ES highlighted various forms of Discriminations encountered by Persons with Disabilities across the Country even within their individual family units.
Lalu expressed utmost appreciation to the Force PRO for the show of love and passion despite the delays around the meeting. He commended him for his brilliant records in the Police while relating with the society.
The ES stated that a lot of people are still not aware of the Prohibition Act against the discrimination of Persons with Disabilities and promised that the Commission is embarking on massive awareness campaign to enlighten the general public of the provisions of the law.
According to him, “once the campaign reaches the nook and crannies of the society, there will be no pretence of ignorance of the law”
In a quick response, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Frank Nba said he was very impressed and excited at the genuine passion exhibited by the ES.
He disclosed that James Lalu’s appointment as the Pioneer Executive Secretary of NCPWD is a right step in the right direction.
“What I am seeing here today is not disability, but strength coming from a deep intellectual sagacity,” he pointed out.
The CP, therefore, promised the support of the Police Force to open desk Offices for cases against the Discrimination of Persons With Disabilities to be handled by State PROs subject to the approval by the Inspector General of Police.
He further said that the first step is to collaborate with the Commission in the vanguard to create awareness on the 2018 Act prohibiting descrimination against Persons with Disabilities.
In addition the Police spokesman affirmed that Police divisions will be established to tackle crimes against PWDs and “there will be no sacred cows”
He, however bemoaned the behavioral rigidity of people in accepting to change their attitudes towards the PWD community.
He also informed that special phone numbers which could be Toll free with the collaboration of service providers will be established for this purpose.