The youth wing of Persons with Disabilities, Ekiti State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to fulfill its promise of creating an enabling and conducive environment for its members during the June 18 election.
The group, supported by DINABI, held a walk last Saturday 4th, June in the Ado Ekiti metropolis. Matching through Fajuyi avenue and other streets, the group created awareness on the need for all eligible voters, especially PWDs, to vote during the polls.
In an address to journalists, Coordinator of the youth wing, Mr Seun Omowaye, urged Persons with Disabilities to ensure they come out in large numbers to vote for candidates of their choice. Meanwhile, he tasked security agents to provide necessary protection against all form of violence.
Mr Omowaye explained that due to the condition of people with disabilities, there is need to consider them first during the polls. They should also be provided with assistive materials to ensure seamless voting.
The Youth wing Coordinator observed that in the event of these provisions not being available as promised by INEC, the majority of Persons with Disabilities will be disfranchised and this amounts to discrimination.
Mr Omowaye appealed to Government at all levels to give priority to the welfare of people living with disabilities.
He lamented over the inability of some State Governments to give five percent employment quotas to people with disabilities as contained in the country’s Disability Law.