The All Progressives Congress (APC) hailed President Muhammadu Buhari on the composition of the governing council of the newly-established National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019.
The group said this in a statement signed by its Deputy National publicity secretary, Yekini Nabena on Friday.
“We particularly welcome the appointment of Mr. James Lalu as the commission’s Executive Secretary.” The group said
“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.”
The group added that 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.
The group further added that as a party it and the 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 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.” It added
“The APC remain a home for Persons with Disabilities giving them hope in party politics and Governance. The party is working on Constitution 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 the establishment of the Commission and 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.”