A non-governmental organisation, Inclusive Friends Association, IFA, in collaboration with National Endowment For Democracy, NED, on Tuesday, called on the Benue State Government to work towards adopting the National Disability Act.
The Executive Director of IFA, Grace Jerry made the call during an advocacy meeting with members of the Benue State House of Assembly in Makurdi.
She explained that the aim of the advocacy was to have a roundtable discussion with members of the House to highlight key demands and expectations of persons with disabilities from the Benue State government.
Mrs. Jerry stated that the participation of Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, in democratic governance on equal basis with other citizens in Benue State was achievable.
She added that because of the non-domestication of the act, PWDs in the state had suffered different forms of discrimination.
She urged members of the state assembly to put pressure on the state government to adopt the National Disability Act and immediately send it to the State House of Assembly for domestication for passage.
“Benue is the only state in the north central region that has not domesticated the National Disability Act that was passed into law in 2018 and assented by the president in 2019.
“This delay has left persons with disabilities in Benue without the legal protections and support that are essential to their inclusion and participation in society.
“We believe that if the Act is domesticated in Benúe State, it is expected that Persons with Disabilities would be given 5% of political appointments cutting across positions such as Commissioners, Special Assistant and Senior Special Assistant positions, among others.
“Furthermore, a quota system for legislative seats in Benue State would also improve disability representation in legislation. The Government would work closely with party leaders in removing all barriers.
“A commitment from the speaker and the House of Assembly to prioritise the domestication of the Disability Act in Benue State account for this meeting.
“The Act has provided a robust framework for ensuring access to public service, protecting against discrimination, and creating better opportunities for persons with disabilities”, Jerry stated.
Some of the House members, including Cephas Dykor representing Konshisha state constituency, commended the Inclusive Friends Association for their efforts towards drawing the attention of the government to the Act.
He advised that the bill for domestication of the National Disability Act should be privately sponsored rather than waiting for the executive governor to transmit it to the house.