Pass Our Bill,  it’s Our Life, Persons With Disabilities  Cry Out

Pass Our Bill,  it’s Our Life, Persons With Disabilities  Cry Out

Zainab Tanimu

kaduna, North-West, Nigeria

The Association of People Living With Disability (PLWD) in Kaduna state has called on the state government to expedite action on the the passage and implementation of the disability bill.

The bill it said is their life as such needs not to be  delayed as other states have complied with President  Buhari’s directive.

This was disclosed to journalists during a press conference held at the State Rehabilitation Center  Kaduna August, 20th, 2019.

Speaking, the Chairman of Cluster Heads of PLWD, Rilwan M. Abdullahi emphasizing on the importance of the bill to their general well being called on the lawmakers to give it the needed urgency.

The bill which was sent as a private bill in 2009 he informed is still at the committee level while urging Governor Nasir el-Rufai to fulfill his campaign promises by ensuring  speedy passage.

“The Disability bill is our life. We are calling for the passage and implementation of the bill because it will be of great importance and value to us.

“We want the governor to fulfill his campaign promise made to PLWD.  He said.

“The bill was sent to the House of Assembly in 2009 as a private bill. When we met with the Governor he said that he will take the bill as an executive bill.”

“We expect Kaduna state to be in the forefront of this campaign especially in the northern part of the country,” he added.

However, the body commended the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai for his efforts as the recent employment opportunities given to them has demonstrated his concern for Persons Living with Disabilities saying, out of 66 persons offered appointments, 21 were PLWD which he said was more than 32 percent.

The Forum while appreciating the efforts of their sponsors and partners had sought for their continuous supports.

It also sought continuous collaboration with the media as it remains the voice of the voiceless.

It would be recalled that President  Buhari had on the 23 of January signed into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, following 9 years of relentless advocacy  by disability rights groups and activists.