By Hassan Umar Shallpella
In an effort to ensure that persons with disabilities have a sense of belonging in the Society, Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo representing Adamawa North at the National Assembly has advocated for the establishment of a commission to take care of the persons with disabilities in the country and pledges 20% of his earnings in support of the cause of people living with disability in Adamawa state.
Abbo who made the remark at an interactive dinner with people living with disability in Yola, Adamawa state, said it is high time that public facilities and national planning in the country should begin to factor the special need of the persons with disabilities.
“I will personally organize a National seminar with donor agencies so that we can sit and work out a Blueprint for the establishment of your commission and move the motion for its establishment and I am sure every senator in the country will be glad to be co-sponsors of it.” He saidThe senator also assured them of the readiness of the current National Assembly to ensure the establishment of commission for people with disabilities.
“I will put the matter forward to my colleagues; I will call you again so that we can meet with your national and state bodies, I want to assure you that all the senators in this 9th National Assembly are willing to say yes to the establishment of a commission”. Abbo added
Senator Ishaku Abbo announced that he will appoint one person with disability as his advisers as a first step in his commitment to fighting the cause of the persons with disabilities.
“Am giving 20% of everything that comes to me as a senator such as salaries, allowances and other entitlements to physically challenged persons and would be there for you whenever you need me.” Abbo said
The Senator expressed concern over the plight of persons with disabilities in the country while accessing public buildings and facilities at airports, office buildings, toilet facilities, among others, noting that it was designed without consideration for the special needs of the physically challenged.
Abbo who narrated his personal ordeal that confined him to a wheelchair said he understands the plight of a person with disability from his experience assured to fight for their right to be heard and be included in national planning and policy
