Politics in Nigeria has long been a war between two powerful political parties controlling various positions from presidency to the least posts even though Nigeria has more than 200 parties. These political parties have made several promises of heaven and earth without fulfilling major. Nigerians have been disappointed while the sufferings of many people are unbearable in the heart of many nations of the world. Activities like Boko Haram, Niger Delta militancy, Fulani herdsmen and many others double the problem of the country.
In the midst of all this, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in Nigeria are the greatest victims of neglect and marginalization. Recently, the Buhari’s government and the All Progressive Congress created a way to include PwD in their government by providing a special adviser to government on disabilities matters but that’s not enough. We have many PwD who are encouraged to participate in politics. Though, their encouragement came as a result of the Not Too Young to Rule Bill that was recently assented to by President Buhari.
However, to cut the long story short, here are five ways Nigeria will be better if PwD politicians are elected into office
The number one reason is the inclusion mantle. In Nigeria, inclusion has long been life dream of most PwD in Nigeria. They believe they should be included in every activity that has to do with Nigeria. They want to be included in decision makings, political affairs, and lawmaking. They also want to be given equal opportunities in everything that concerns Nigeria and Nigerians. Though they are minority group, but that does not mean they do not deserve the right to vote and be voted for. In the same vein, allowing some PwD to hold some elective positions especially in the legislature will open ways for them to create policies that will give minority groups access to inclusion. As a result of their experience in their respective communities, they know what it means to be neglected and marginalized.
Another reason is the quest for accessibility. Apart from inclusion, PwD also have lifelong dream of having access to everything and everywhere in Nigeria most especially to public sphere like banks, public offices, churches, mosques, walkways, bridges, stairs, homes, shops, etc. Electing a PwD into office will mean creating access to every inaccessible place in Nigeria. We have seen several blind persons’ inability to cross a street because of fast moving cars, wheelchair riders cannot walk through stairs into a bank, church, mosque, government offices. Electing PwD into legislative office will change all that and make everything equal for all regardless of whom you are.
Record breaking will is another nature that is embedded in human in which society has tactically denied the PwD, everybody wants to break records in sports, politics, career, academy to mention few. Never before has more PwD been involved in politics than they are doing now. For example, Chidi Olujie, who is deaf, is contesting for state house of assembly Ukwa East Constituency, his home town, in abia state under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Lois Auta, who is physically challenged and the First Youth Global Leader with a disability awardee is also doing the same under All Progressive Congress (APC) in her home town, AMAC/Bwari constituency, Abuja.
Creation of job opportunities is another reason why we should consider PwD. When it comes to opportunity, pwds are the most neglected, marginalized, and oppressed group. They have suffered for God knows how long. They know what it means to be marginalized, oppressed and neglected. When government or private sectors provide jobs, the PwD are not often considered because of their plague. Universities don’t provide admission to PWD. They are not allowed to study some selected courses cos of their disabilities. What they don’t know is that a disabled person can do anything regardless. So having experienced all this, they know what it feels like to be jobless most especially for those who are looking for jobs in Nigeria, so it’ll be easier for them to create job opportunities for every Nigerians as priority.
Hard work is another spirit that drives PwD, this is as a result of the societal marginalisation. Working to their bone is what they love to do to ensure everyone is satisfied with their services. They have the attitude to make things work. They love to leave their office better than they met it. Unlike most politicians in Nigeria who are full of corruption, you can’t hear of corruption when a PwD is in office this is because they have the fear of God and a clean heart in service. You can’t ignore the fact that they are a living example for others to emulate.
PwD have the potential and ability to lead Nigeria in 2019 if given the opportunity by the masses. Nigerians may see a PwD as additional burden if they are given the slot to lead in office but behind every problem is an opportunity hiding in disguise. Let’s give our political posts to PwD come 2019 and watch them doing wonders.
Happy independence day Nigeria
1 comment
I sincerely wish to comment Chidi Olujie and Lois Auta for this magnanimity of making their ambition welcoming to PWD across the country. It need to be noted that in spite of our disability we have the ability and willingness to lead Nigeria better when given the opportunity.