The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has condemned the discriminatory act committed by Rano Air Limited against Mr. Usman Bura Gabai, a Person with Disability and Chairman of the Yobe State chapter of Joint National Association for Persons with Disability (JONAPWD).
He gave the condemnation in a press release he signed on Wednesday, lamenting that the action is a clear breach of the fundamental right to freedom of movement, as well as a blatant act of discrimination and breach of contract by Rano Air Limited.
The SSA said, “on May 14th, 2024, at Maiduguri International Airport, Mr. Gabai was denied access to fly the Rano aircraft despite booking and paying for his ticket, causing him significant harm and preventing him from attending a crucial Disability Stakeholders conference he was billed to attend.
“This incident is a clear breach of Mr. Gabai’s fundamental right to freedom of movement, as well as a blatant act of discrimination and breach of contract by Rano Air Limited. Such actions are completely unacceptable and violate the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
“Discrimination against persons with disabilities is a violation of their human rights and goes against the principles of inclusivity and equality which the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands for.
“I stand in solidarity with Mr. Gabai and all persons with disabilities who continue to face discrimination in various aspects of their lives. Rano Air Limited must be held accountable for their discriminatory behavior and take immediate steps to rectify the situation.
The presidential aide calls on Rano Air Limited to publicly apologize to Mr. Gabai and implement measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
“I hereby call on Rano Air Limited to publicly apologize to Mr. Gabai and implement measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. The apology must be published in not less than two national dailies, failure which I shall not hesitate to use my good office to sue the company in a law court.
“Discrimination has no place in our society, and we must work together to build a more inclusive and equitable world for all. The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, and we will not tolerate any form of discrimination or injustice.” The SSA said.
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These airlines must learn a vital lessons through litigations or sanctions. By the time they are made to face the consequences of their actions, they will adjust and check their discriminatory practises.