TQM report,
The Beautiful Gate Handicapped Peoples Center, Jos has expressed displeasure over the none inclusion of persons with disabilities in the leadership positions of the People’s Democratic Party in the just concluded convention of the party in Abuja.
The Executive Director, Ayuba Burki Gufwan who made the disclosure in a press statement released on Fridday said that “It is unacceptable to also note that out of the 21 elective positions of the National Executive Committee of the party, none is set aside for persons with disabilities neither is there any position for PWDs leader in the party hierarchy.
“This is a sad reminder of the pains and agony the party caused the disability community during their 16 years reign at the centre. Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, PDP leaders and the then Presidents of Nigeria denied assent to the National Disability Bill. The then Bill, now an Act Provides for the Full Integration Of Persons With Disabilities Into The Society, Establish The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities catering for the Education, Health Care, Social, Economic And Civil Rights; And For Related Matters thereto.”
He said in the disability Act, a section provides that Persons with disabilities shall be encouraged to fully participate In politics and public life, Government shall actively promote an environment in which persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in – the conduct of public affairs without discrimination; non-governmental organizations and associations concerned with the public and political life of the country; and (c) activities and administration of political parties.”
He noted that “This provision is in line with section 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which provides that States Parties shall guarantee to persons with disabilities political rights and the opportunity to enjoy them on an equal basis with others, and shall undertake to ensure that persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others, directly or through freely chosen representatives, including the right and opportunity for persons with disabilities to vote and be elected among others.
“The non-inclusion and provision of the office of PDP disability leader in the PDP constitution and the deliberate exclusion of persons with disabilities in the elective positions is a pointer that the future of the disability community in Nigeria is deemed in terms of participation in governance if PDP clicks to power come 2023.
Gufwan urged PDP leadership to take appropriate measure to implement section 30 of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. The session provides for the full inclusion of citizens with disabilities in the party elective positions.
“PDP should include the State and National Disability Leadership positions in their party constitution. This is to ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities in the party structure as obtainable in other parties’ constitution.
“PDP leaders should note that the days of tokenism, maganimity and charity based approach to dressing disability issues in Nigeria has gone since January 17, 2019 when President Mohammadu Buhari signed the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
“With our project on aiding mobility of young, women and elderly persons with disabilities in Nigeria by providing them with tricycle wheelchairs and others, Beautiful Gate Handicapped People’s Centre is committed to ensuring that not only would people living with disabilities get mobilities, but lend its voice to political parties, in particular the People’s Democratic Party to enhance persons with disabilities participation in party politics.” He said.
