Coalition Seeks Domestication Of Gombe State Disability Act

Coalition of Persons with Disabilities in Gombe State under the auspices of Advocacy for Disability Act Cluster, has called on the Gombe State Government to domesticate the disability act.

The Coalition made the call in a statement issued by the Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association and ADAC Cluster Anchor, Grace Jerry, on Monday in Gombe, as part of activities to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

It noted that the call had become imperative in view of the numerous benefits that came with such domestication on the protection of the rights of persons with disability and the need to ensure inclusiveness.

According to the coalition, “one of the proofs of functional democracy is the protection of the rights of all citizens towards ensuring a better society, free of discrimination and marginalisation.”

“As a community of Persons with Disabilities in Gombe State celebrate Democracy Day, we call on the state government to consider the need to sign the Gombe State Disability Law and the establishment of Disability Commission.

“The United Nations estimates 15 per cent of the world’s population to be persons with one form of disability or the other.

“It is safe to say that over 550,000 persons in Gombe State have one form of disability or the other.

“With this huge population, it is imperative to consider legislation that will protect the rights, dignity, and respect of persons with disabilities.

“This will ensure that the society benefits from the diverse skills which reside within this cluster of persons,”the statement reads.

While congratulating State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya on his re-election, as well as other members of the state House of Assembly, the coalition urged appointed leaders to consolidate efforts towards improving the lives of PWDs.

It said; “The best way to ensure better lives for PWDs is for the government to sign into law legislation that will better enable this community to hold state and non-state actors accountable.

“We urge leaders in the state to ensure that the right systems are put in place in order to guarantee a fulfilled life through accessibility and the right-based approach.” 

NAN/ Mercy Chukwudiebere