A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has backed the call for the implementation of 10 per cent appointments in the Federal Ministries Department and Agencies for persons living with disabilities in line with the Discrimination against PWDs (Prohibition) Act 2018.
Bankole, who is the national leader of Persons Living with Disability in APC, was reacting to the demand made at the plenary of the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The House had on Thursday urged that the 10 per cent employment allotment for for persons living with disabilities be implemented without delay.
The appeal followed a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos, Kafilat Ogbara.
Ogbara stressed that the Discrimination against PWDs Prohibition Act 2018 was passed into law to ensure their rights are safeguarded.
Consequently, the House of Representatives urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to direct the Head of Service of the Federation as well as MDAs to adhere strictly to the provisions of Section 29 of the Discrimination Act 2018 by making the appointments available.
Reacting to the news, Bankole applauded Ogbara and other reps members for making the ‘bold, timely and articulate intervention’ that he believes could change the socioeconomic status of millions of persons living with disabilities and their dependents.
The APC chieftain also called on the leadership of the Senate and State Assemblies to borrow a leaf from the House of Reps.
He said, “Disability is never by choice, and nobody is immune. We are PWDs either by birth, negligence by parents and guardians, accidents, war, age, disease, or epidemic. However, the full implementation of the Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018 will ensure the economic and social inclusion of PWDs.
“I use this opportunity to appeal to the distinguished Senators in the red chamber and all the State Houses of Assembly to lend their voices to this call to unlock the full potential of Persons With Disabilities by breaking down the systemic barriers that limit their full participation in society. This is not only the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do.”
