By Abubakar Mumbu
The Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has approved the appointment of Isah Aliyu, a visually impaired person and current Chair, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities ( JONAPWD) Niger State chapter, as Special Assistant to the Governor on “Handicap”.
In a letter signed by the Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, Gov. Bello stated that Aliyu is expected to report to the special adviser, political and strategy who will monitor his activities to ensure his retention of the appointment.
The letter also stated that Isah Aliyu is expected to resume work with immediate effect.
The letter read in part: “I wish to convey approval of the Executive Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, for your appointment as Special Assistant (Handicap). You will report to the Special Adviser (political and strategy) who will monitor your activities to ensure your retention of this appointment. It is expected that you will work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in you by this appointment. The appointment take immediate effect.”
TQM as a disability advocacy magazine who wishes to educate the public on what is appropriate in relation to disability, the use of HANDICAP by the governor and the government of Niger State is derogatory and discriminatory, even though they have good intention and we commend their effort, the choice of word is wrong, we sincerely advise that they change it to more respectful words like DISABILITY MATTERS.
