Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday decried exclusion from the ministerial list submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate.
The Senate on Monday approved and confirmed 45 out of the 48 nominees sent by the President.
Speaking at a joint conference, the Community of PWDs said their omission was not in accordance with the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018 which calls for the inclusion of at least five per cent of the PWDs in public office appointments.
The community said, “The recent ministerial list proposed by President Bola Tinubu has unfortunately overlooked the integral role that the PWDs can and should play in Nigeria’s governance.
“The current lack of representation in the Federal Executive Council marks a missed opportunity to advance equality and justice for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.”
“Regrettably, despite this concerted effort and appeal, the new cabinet list presented to the Senate for screening and approval includes no ministers identifying as Persons with Disabilities.”
They noted that the absence of the PWDs in the new cabinet list deflates the hope and anticipation fostered by several organisations of PWDs, alongside other political leaders and the international community.
The PWD leaders in a joint communique called on the President to rectify this omission by implementing the following demands:
1. Immediate appointment of persons with disabilities into Ministerial positions at the National level and Commissioner positions at state levels.
2. The enforcement of Section 29 of the Disability Act, which provides to the effect that a minimum of 5% appointment quota should be reserved for persons with disabilities at all levels of government, including states.
3. Convene a constructive and inclusive dialogue between the Presidency and the PWD community to discuss the concerns and aspirations of persons with disabilities.
4. Ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes concerning policies that directly or indirectly affect them, including incorporating PWDs into the works of the ongoing Palliative Committee on Subsidy Removal.
The community of PWDs include The All-rights Foundation Africa; Disability Rights Advocacy Center; Inclusive Friends Association; Center for Ability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment; Freky Andrew-Essien Care Foundation; The Qualitative Magazine; the Albinism Association of Nigeria; Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities; National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities; Cedarseed Foundation; Network of Women with Disabilities; and Alliance for Inclusion.
Notable Leaders with Disabilities at the Press Conference were Amb. Jake Epelle, CEO TAF Africa, Grace Jerry, ED, Inclusive Friends Association, Lois Auta, ED, Cedar Seeds Foundation, Comrade Chris Obiora Agbo, ED, The Qualitative Magazine, Dr. Chike Okogwu, Chief Responsibility Officer, CARE-Nigeria. The group also have in their midst, some notable and highly influencial individuals in Civil Society, Ene Ede, Gender Advocate and Board Member, JONAPWD, Celestine Okwudili, Manager, Governance, Actionaid among others.
Watch full Joint Press Conference Video:
