HAPI,JONAPWD, others move to present draft Disabilities Bill as Executive Bill

The HOPE ALIVE,for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) and other stakeholders have taken concerted steps to accelerate the domestication of Disability law in Benue state.

It called on the government of Benue State under Governor Hyacinth Alia to hasten with the domestication of disability law to safe guard the rights and foster an inclusive society for persons with disabilities, by the urgent adoption of draft Disabilities Bill to be presented to Benue State House of Assembly as Executive Bill.

This was disclosed in a 2-Day Consultative meeting with Heads of Persons with Disabilities and Press Conference on the importance of Disability Law in Benue State, by HAPI, held Wednesday, at Eyah Hotels and Suits, Makurdi.

Speaking, the Executive Director HAPI, Aver Akighir stated that, HAPI, with support from Disability Rights Advocacy Fund,will continue to seek collaborations with government and strategic partners to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in the state.

She lamented that, Benue state in the North – Central region, remains the only state without a Disability Law, after many years,the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 was signed into Law 2019 by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, which leave persons with Disabilities in the state more vulnerable to various forms of discrimination by individuals and governmental institutions.

The Director, also enumerated some of the issues overwhelming persons with Disabilities in the state to include; “Denial of political appointments and employment against the 5%reserve employment opportunities for Disabilities, as stated in the Prohibition Act 2018.

Poor access to affordable healthcare services,feeding education, transportation among others due to the scorching effect of subsidy removal,amidst inflation”.

She further urged the government to leverage on Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)’s extensive network which plays a crucial role coordinating grassroots movements, advocating sociopolitical compliance and addressing grievances in the 23 local governments.

Commenting on some of the questions,Mr Onah Adah and Mercy Jovkyundan explained that, supposedly, the lack of political will by the pass administrations against persons with Disabilities, is the reason for the delay in the domestication of the Law in the state.

By Jovitta Iorshase