Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), have protested the non-inclusion of members of its community in the ministerial appointment list of President Bola Tinubu.
Addressing a media conference under the aegis of Community of PWDs on Tuesday in Abuja, the group said that the omission of PWDs was not in accordance with the Discrimination Against PWDs Prohibition Act, 2018.
According to the group, the Act calls for the inclusion of at least five percent of PWDs in public office appointments.
The Chief Executive Officer, The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, Mr Jake Epelle, said that the current lack of representation in the Federal Executive Council list marked a missed opportunity to advance equality and justice for PWDs in Nigeria.
He said prior to the establishment of the cabinet, PWDs, their representative organisations and the House of Representatives had lobbied for the allocation of 10 per cent of ministerial positions to individuals with disabilities.
“Regrettable, in spite of this concerted effort and appeal, the new cabinet list presented to the senate for screening and approval includes no ministers identifying as PWDs.”
Epelle said that several organisations of PWDs alongside other political leaders including the international community had previously called upon Tinubu to appoint PWDs as ministers.
He added that there was even a discussion about the possible creation of a dedicated ministry for disability affairs.
He, however, said that the absence of members of the group in the new cabinet list deflated the hope and anticipation fostered by these discussions.
Ms Grace Jerry of Inclusive Friends Association said if the president identified with the community, it was time to share the agenda of the community of PWDs with him.
“If at this point there are 48 nominees, it means that more allowances can still be created to bring in more PWDs on board.
“We are calling on this government. There is something that can still be done, adjustments can still be made and more identified and active qualified PWDs can still take these ministerial roles.”
She also said that the community was demanding the enforcement of Section 29 of the Discrimination Against PWDs Prohibition Act, 2018.
According to her, the Act provides to the effect that a minimum of five per cent appointment quota for PWDs at all levels including states.
“A constructive and inclusive dialogue with President Tinubu and relevant governmental authorities to discuss the concerns and aspirations of PWDs.
“This is to ensure the inclusion of PWDs in decision-making processes concerning policies that directly or indirectly affect them.”
She added that the community was presenting a seven-day timeline to address the enumerated concerns or it would be compelled to amplify advocacy efforts.
“These might encompass peaceful assemblies, exploring legal avenues in alignment with the Discrimination Against PWDs Prohibition Act, 2018.
“And fostering conversations with both local and global media partners to emphasise the importance of disability representation in governance.”
PWDs had at different times advocated for the inclusion of PWDs in the governance process in Nigeria and appointment of PWDs into ministerial and commissioner positions is one of their demands.
