The Disability Community in Kaduna State has appealed to the state Governor-Elect, Sen. Uba Sani to appoint Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into his cabinet.
Representatives of the community, made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Sunday.
They said that the measure would deepen inclusion of PWDs in governance.
Malam Rilwan Abdullahi, National President, National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities in Nigeria (NAPWPDN), said that the appointments would reduce discrimination against PWDs.
Abdullahi said that including PWDs in Sani’s cabinet would give them the privilege to contribute their quota to the inclusive development of the state.
“We congratulate Sen. Uba Sani for winning the governorship election in the state and appeal to him to reserve a certain percentage of political positions for PWDs.
“Beyond giving us the position of Special Assistant of Disability Affairs, we have competent hands that can handle any ministry, department or agencies and make a difference.
“The disability community want Uba Sani to make history as the first governor in the state to appoint a PWDs as commissioner and executives of agencies and parastatals,” he said.
Mr Suleiman Abdulazeez, State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), called on the governor-elect to fully implement the Disability Law signed by Gov. Nasir El-Rufai.
Abdulazeez said that the law seeks to address concerns, discrimination, and exclusion of PWDs in all spheres of life.
He said that the law was signed on April 30, 2021, after 10 years of relentless advocacy by the disability community, Civil Society Organisations, and the media.
“The law seeks to among other things ensure that persons with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else in the society.
“It also seeks to ensure that every PWD has equal access to public buildings, facilities, and services delivery.
“While El-rufai will be living a legacy of signing the law, Uba Sani should work towards living a legacy of implementing the law,” he said.