The Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation has issued a heartfelt plea for an immediate resolution to Nigeria’s ongoing crises, drawing attention to the plight of vulnerable citizens, especially those living with disabilities. Despite the existence of the Special Peoples Law designed to create an inclusive society, these individuals continue to bear the brunt of the country’s unrest.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and all 36 state governors, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Foundation’s Coordinator, Kehinde Oshilaja, expressed grave concern about the damaging effects of the prolonged conflicts on those who are already marginalized. “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” Oshilaja said, using a poignant proverb to stress the urgency of ending the crises.
He pointed out that the ongoing disputes between the federal government and organized labour, coupled with unresolved issues surrounding the rising petrol prices, have created a dire situation for ordinary Nigerians, particularly individuals living with disabilities.
Oshilaja emphasized the need for swift, democratic action to prevent further unrest, calling on President Tinubu and the governors to urgently consider the impact of these crises on disabled citizens. He also highlighted the importance of an independent and accessible judiciary for all citizens to ensure justice is served.
The Foundation lamented that individuals living with disabilities, already vulnerable, should not be forced to endure additional hardships in a country that should be their refuge.