Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria have thrawn their total support and admiration to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his people-oriented administration at this crucial time of persistent threats to national peace and security of the country being orchestrated by some vested interests in the nation.
This was contained in the text of a press briefing granted to media personnel by the Senior Special Assistant to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa on Monday.
The Presidential aide had earlier explained the collective position of the over 35 millions Nigerians with disabilities who he said has unanimously agreed not to show any temptation attempt from any group in the country to make them join the planned nationwide protest.
He said, “i call this press conference to appraise you on the position of the community of Nigerians with disabilities regarding the proposed nationwide protest being planned by certain elements who in our opinion do not mean well for the country.
“We wish to state that the community of Persons With Disabilities and special needs in Nigeria are totally against the proposed protest and we completely dissociate ourselves from the destructive exercise which aim is solely to turn back the wheel of progress the nation is recording under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu”
He added, “Without any equivocation, the over 35.1 million PWDs in Nigeria remain united and stand strong by the government of Asiwaju and his Renewed Hope Agenda. I want to categorically state that there is no bad governance under President Tinubu leadership. Instead since the inception of this administration, the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly, Persons With Disabilities, has been the primary focus and preoccupation of this government. The President has shown unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all citizens, including Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
“The proposed protest is being masterminded by political opponents who are seeking to seize power through the backdoor. It is essential that we, as a nation, recognize these attempts for what they are: efforts to undermine our democracy and disrupt the progress we are making. I am proud to announce that the 35 million Nigerians with disabilities have declared their non-participation in the proposed protest. Despite being among the most vulnerable and disproportionately facing hardships compared to our non-disabled counterparts, PWDs in Nigeria have chosen to place their faith in the Renewed Hope agenda and the emerging policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which we believe have long-term benefits for all Nigerians”
While stating the collective resolve of the Nigerians with disabilities to boycott the ill-motivative planned protest, the Presidential aide noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated various PWDs-centred policies and programmes that have direct bearing to the socioeconomic, political and intellectual development of persons with disabilities in Nigeria than any other administration and which the PWDs, their families and indeed every patriotic Nigerian should be proud of.
His words, “this administration’s commitment to the welfare of PWDs is evident through initiatives such as the Beyond Disability Project. The presidency has invested 1 billion naira into this project, a gesture that has restored hope among PWDs. Furthermore, we are encouraged by the various empowerment programs in the pipeline for PWDs that require our patience and resilience to attain”
Highlighting the many PWDs – oriented policies and programmes achieved by the current administration, the SSA reiterated president Tinubu’s never-ending commitment to making life more better and meaningful to PWDs.
Presidential aide said, “distinguished members of the press, without any doubt, no government has been as committed to the welfare and well-being of Persons With Disabilities and special needs in Nigeria as this current administration.
” As I conclude, I urge all Nigerians, especially those with disabilities, to reject the call for protest. Let us stand together in unity, support our government, and work towards a brighter future for all. Our patience and cooperation will pave the way for continued progress and prosperity under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu” he concluded.