Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD, has urged states of the federation to emulate the 10 states that have adopted the Disability Act in the country.
Executive Director of CCD, Mr David Anyaele, advocated for this when he paid a courtesy visit to Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet, in her office in Uyo on Monday.
Anyaele, who commended the 10 states that have passed the bill into law or in the process, including Akwa Ibom, called on the remaining states to do same.
He urged other states yet to pass the bill into law to do so in the interest of persons with disabilities and the nation, adding that the organisation was creating awareness around people living with disabilities for them to understand the implications around corruption.
“We are working to build the capacity of persons with disabilities around the National Disability Act. We are glad that the bill has been presented before Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; it has past first and second reading and it is currently at Committee stage being presided over by Deputy Speaker.
“We are expecting that more state should adopt the Act. Out of 36 States of the Federation, 10 have adopted the Act. We are saying that, if there is any time to protect persons with disabilities against discrimination and other harmful attacks in Akwa Ibom State is now.
“Effort must be made by the state to ensure that democratic dividends are accessible to all, especially persons with disabilities. It is only when legal frameworks are provided to protect persons with disabilities that they will be able to maximize their potentials.
“On our part, we are creating awareness around persons with disabilities in the state for them to understand its implications not just to government areas but also it effects on them in their association as well as interpersonal relationships,” he said.
The executive director said that CCD was concerned about the level of corruption in the country, stressing that the organisation was pleased with the levels government was working hard to curtail the menace.
In her response, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet, represented by the Director for Rehabilitation, Mr Dominic Isidore, commended CCD for their effort in pushing the frontiers of discrimination through Disability Act.
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