The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has condemned the alleged assault on a person with disability, Hamza Waziri by the Nigeria Police Force.
Hamza Waziri, a wheelchair user, was captured in a video currently circulating on social media being brutally battered while exercising his constitutional right to peaceful protest in front of the Bauchi State Government House.
Waziri, alongside other protesters were prevented from gaining access to the Governor’s Office where they had planned to meet with the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, in order to lay their grievances.
In a statement signed on Friday by the Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. James David Lalu, the commission said “the actions of the police officers involved are a clear violation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (prohibition) act of 2018 and the fundamental human rights enshrined in our constitution.”
The commission calls on the Nigeria Police Force to set a high standard for upholding these laws and to lead by example in the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies.
“We demand a thorough investigation into this incident and immediate disciplinary action against those responsible. It is imperative that the Nigeria Police Force demonstrates its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, including those with disabilities.
“While it is our view that the protest is needless considering the fact that seeds when sowed takes time to germinate and thus the President Bola Tinubu’s administration deserves supports of all citizens, we however stands in solidarity with Hamza Waziri and all individuals with disabilities who continue to face discrimination and violence.
“We will not relent in our efforts to ensure a just and inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, is treated with respect and dignity.
“We urge all relevant authorities to take swift action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld and protected at all times.”