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Mr. David .O.Anyaele, the executive director centre for Citizens with Disabilities(CCD), has called out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the total inclusion of Persons with Disabilities(PWDs) in the forthcoming 2023 general election.
The Centre made the call in Abuja at the closing ceremony of the 3days programme held to celebrate the 3rd years anniversary of the passage of the Nigerian Disability Right Act , signed into law by the president , Muhammadu Buhari.
Centre for Citizens living with Disabilities (CCD) in Partnership with FORD Foundation hosted leaders of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) drawn from all the geopolitical zones of the country, to brainstorm on 2023 general election and the future of Nigerians With Disabilities.
The organisations noted that the PWDs have the fundamental rights to vote and be voted for during the forthcoming general elections in the country.
Anyaele, applauded INEC but insisted they need to improve and ensure they make necessary provisions to Carter for the needs of persons with disabilities.
He also stress the need for INEC to consider the appointment of a Commissioner for person’s living with Disabilities ,he also express displeasure with the attitude of some state government .
Anyaele said since the law has been passed at the national level, he wonders why some governors find it difficult to adopt the Act .
He called on stakeholders to continue to push until all state adopts the bill.
Anyaele closed the conference with the story of how he lost his hands during the rebels war on January 19th, 1999.
In his words: “As I was meditating how far the Lord God has led me, I appreciates better that it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy”.
“On the 19th of January 1999, the RUF rebels chopped off my hands because of my identity as a Nigerian, and our then government was supporting ECOMOG Peace Keeping in Freetown. That experience changed my world. Suddenly I found my self in the disability community without any idea of what the future holds”. But thank God today his grace has brought me this far.