Disabled persons to Buhari: Sign disability bill into law

Persons living with disability in the country on Monday staged a
mini rally in Abuja and appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to
further demonstrate his love for them by immediately signing into
law the National Persons with Disability bill recently passed into
law by the National Assembly.

APC National Disability Leader, Misbahu Lawan Didi who addressed
the rally which was part of activities marking the International
disability day said with the signing of the bill, the President
will provide the over 24 million disabled persons in the country
voice, adding that they will have no option than give him their
support for a second term.

Didi said the Buhari government is the first government in the
history of the country to recognise people living with
disabilities, appointing two of them into government while the APC
is the first and only party so far to incorporate them into the
leadership at all levels

He said the main objective of the match was to appreciate Mr.
President and the APC as a party for what they have done in the
life of persons with disability, pointing out that it is on record
that no ruling party or political parties has ever recognize people
with disability.

He said; “It is only the APC that recognizes them. They do not
only recognize us by mouth, but also by ensuring that they are
captured in the party constitution at all levels. We have
disability leaders at all levels. We have about 40,000 members as
leaders of the party at various levels.

“Secondly, Mr President appoints two aides; Senior Special
Assistant (Disability) to the President and Special Assistant
(Disability) to the President. This is a great achievement by this
government. Equally, last week, National Assembly passed
Discrimination Against Persons With Disability Bill which is now
waiting for assent.

“I believe that as a father who cares for his children,
especially persons with disability, he will give assent to that
bill so that it becomes law. Once we have that, the over 24 million
disabled persons in this country will have no option but to support
our great party, the APC that has identified with people disability
over the years.

“Also, today is International Day of Persons with Disability. As
a party, we are also commemorating this day. It is only the APC
that has planned something to commemorate the day by having a
get-together with people with disability. These are some of the
things that motivate me and the APC to organize something by
ourselves. You can see that no government is here. It is not a
sponsored program. It is our own will.

“The people with disability agree and contribute something to
ensure that this event takes place today so that we appreciate
government and the party. For me, being the representative of
people with disability in APC, a lot of them are happy with the
position I have got and I am also proud of my people because they
are with me.

“Disabled leader is here from every State in this country. That
is to tell you that we are one family and we are ready to ensure
that APC and President Muhammadu Buhari retains positions as
President and ruling party.

APC, National Treasurer, Adamu Fanda who represented the
Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams of Oshiomhole said the APC was
the only all-inclusive party that believes that everybody is
endowed either you are disable or able.

“We give you a level playing ground. Our party is a
mass-oriented party. It is meant for the poor and majority of
Nigerians. This is because we know that we have a large number of
people with disability. That is why we provide special position for
them in the party. Whatever they do, we have to come and identify
with them and share in their glory”, he said.

On the Disability Bill, he said “as a party, we will implore Mr.
President to quickly and immediately sign the bill so that it
becomes a law.”

Related