By Comrade Muhammed Abba Isa
The Nigerian Senate was yet again on the media space on Tuesday 4th May 2021 but this time on encouraging note. The red chamber received encomiums, praises and commendations from members of the public, but much were from the Nigerian disability community expressing unreserved appreciation for the recognition and consideration accorded to them by the law makers for prioritizing their shared concerns on their plight.
The resolutions in its spirit and letters have genuinely captured the apprehensions of Nigerians with disabilities and if implemented as recommended by the law makers, will go a long way in addressing the basic problems of persons with disabilities as highlighted in the transcript of the resolution.
Recalled that Nigeria recorded it first index case of COVID-19 late March 2020 and since that period under review the Federal and states government has rolled out different policies and programs aimed at stifling the economic, scientific and social burden of the pandemic. Some of this policies and programs are ongoing while others have ended. But the pertinent question on the lips of an average person with disability is weather persons with disabilities have been adequately engaged in the circle of these interventions from planning to implementation? or are there specific programs designed to address the concerns of persons with disabilities considering their peculiarities ?
The legislative intent of passing and signing into law the “DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PROHIBITION) ACT 2018” and the subsequent establishment of national commission for persons with disabilities by the present administration cannot be misconstrued or misinterpreted as technical ignorance but genuine demonstration of political will and desire for inclusive society devoid of all kinds of discrimination. The Commission was established with the solitary intent of prioritizing, promoting and protecting the right of persons with disabilities, as such the government and other partners most exploit the platform it created to avoid sideling as reference by the lawmakers.
Perhaps, no one will claim to be unaware of the exemplary leadership exhibited by James D. Lalu led administration in piloting the affairs of the commission where thousands and hundreds are already benefiting from federal interventions across the states.
The Presidency and Ministry of Humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development most answer this clarion call by the legislatures to further demonstrate their love and passion for persons with disabilities by immediately engaging the national commission for persons with disabilities in developing these five years plan for urgent national importance.
