The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Enugu State Chapter, has urged Gov. Peter Mbah to expedite action in setting up the much-awaited Enugu State Disability Commission.
The association also called on the governor to constitute the commission’s board as stipulated in the Enugu State Discrimination Against Persons’ with Disabilities Prohibition Act of 2022, fully signed as one of the state’s laws.
This is contained in a congratulatory message to Mbah, recently inaugurated Executive Governor of Enugu State, and signed by the Mr Onyebuchi Mba, State Chairman of JONAPWD, on Sunday in Enugu.
According to the statement, “we sincerely felicitate with you the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for the successful electoral process that enthroned you into the seat of power as our new State Governor.”
It said: “This special community prays that God Almighty bestows in you the grace of wisdom to administer the affairs of the State with fear of God and quality service to mankind.
“Enugu State Disability Community wishes you a successful tenure in office and by his grace you shall not fail.
“May you be the much-anticipated messiah we have waited and prayed for over the years to solve all disability issues. May the Almighty keep, preserve and strengthens you as you pilot the affairs of our dear State.”
It said that the principal objectives of the association are geared towards the general welfare of persons with disabilities, socially, educationally, economically and otherwise as well as serve as the voice of the disability community across the federation.
The statement noted that the association engages state and non-state actors for disability rights inclusion in all societal policies and programmes for equity and justice and ensure the protection of human dignity.
“We implore you, Dr Mbah, to set up the Commission and constitute its board as provided by the law to ensure its kickoff as over 20 states across the federation have gone ahead in this process.
“We look up to you in our desperation for equity, fairness and respect for human dignity in promoting self-discovery and reliance rather than self pity and perpetual liability as seen in many disability communities.
“Your Excellency, members of this special community have suffered a series of untold neglects, discrimination and maltreatment; hence, we call on you to expedite action towards promoting their rights.
“We also want a sense of belonging in your government, including creating a disability desk, and giving us at least five per cent appointment into political positions under your administration as the law provides,” it said.
This, the statement said, would serve as unprecedented and register you as a disability-friendly Governor with interest for their self development, especially in consideration to your campaign slogan, which gives hope to the hopeless.
“Our university graduates and others are scattered all over the streets under the mercies of the unscrupulous individuals who merchandise with their predicaments, and good enough the disability legislation captures their interests and stipulates penalties for such surreptitious activities.”
