In their efforts to ensure the implementation of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law, 2018, JONAPWD Anambra , with support from the European Union’s RoLAC programs in the State, on Thursday, September 15, 2022, paid an advocacy visit to the State Attorney General/Hon. Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Justice at her office at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat, Awka.
Delivering the advocacy brief, the State Chairman of the association, Comr. Ugochukwu Okeke after highlighted their reason for the visit as it relates to the areas the ministry could assist in the implementation and awareness creation of the Disability Rights Law (ASDRL) 2018, which includes:
i. The need to amend Section 6(1) of ASDRL 2018 which states that the chairman and other members shall be appointed to serve on part-time basis.
ii. The need to assist in the advocating for the provision of necessary facilities at public buildings. Section 23 and 26 of ASDRL 2018.
iii. The need to protect Persons with Disabilities from cruelty and inhuman treatment. Section 21 of ASDRL 2018.
iv. The need to protect persons with disabilities from discrimination and harmful treatment. Section 20 (a, b, c) of ASDRL 2018.
v. The need to use the Directory of Sign Language Interpreters in the State to bridge the gap between the Deaf and other members of the society.
Furthermore, he prayed her to use her good offices in advocating for the total compliance with the provisions of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law (2018) in the following areas:
i. To recommend to His Excellency and the Anambra State House of Assembly for the amendment of Section 6 (1) of ASDRL 2018 to, at least, appoint an Executive chairman who will serve the commission on full-time basis. This, according to him, was to enable him to perform the enormous task as provided in Sections 7 and 12 of ASDRL, 2018.
ii. To join in the awareness creation on the need to make physical environment and buildings accessible to Persons with Disabilities on equal basis with others. Section 26 of ASDRL, 2018.
iii. To assist in making budget provisions that will facilitate free legal aid to Persons with Disabilities in order to protect them from cruelty, inhuman treatment, discrimination and harmful treatment. Sections 20 and 21 of ASDRL, 2018.
iv. To give directive that the Directory of Sign Language Interpreters in Anambra State be used by Legal Officers so as to promote justice for all. Section 41 (b) of ASDRL, 2018.
v. To kindly help us in advocating for political appointments to qualified Persons with Disabilities in order to promote equity and justice in the State.
Responding to them, the Attorney General promised to write a memo to His Excellency on the issues raised about the amendments through her legal drafting department and as well assured us of her willingness to look into other matters presented to her for immediate actions and commended JONAPWD for their great job.
In his vote of thanks, Comr. Okeke appreciated her for her warm welcome and commitment to ensure that the issues raised in the brief were promptly addressed. He also used the opportunity to pray the Attorney General to extend the association’s deep appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for his proactiveness to make sure that Anambra State becomes a safe, livable and prosperous State, which he has done by his key and wise appointments.
Present among the JONAPWD advocacy team were the chairman of the association, Comr. Ugochukwu Okeke; the financial secretary of the association, Comr. Ncheta Nwanokwara; the association’s PRO, Comr. Ifeanyi Igweegbe; Onwubuya Vincent, and Chinenye Ikele.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of the advocacy brief and copies of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law and the Directory of Sign Language Interpreters, Anambra State, as well as a group photograph.
