PWDs task Kano Assembly on speedy passage of Bill

Kano State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disability (JONAPWD) has appealed to the state House of Assembly to urgently pass the Bill on persons with disabilities (PWDs) to ensure that it becomes law in the state.

The group stated this while raising concern over the continued delay in the passage of the bill, describing the situation as “frustrating and lamentable.”

It also pleaded with the state government to fulfill its pledge on the establishment of a commission on the implementation of PWD Act and enable people with disabilities to be given special protection and social security.

They lamented that the Bill, which was sent to the House of Assembly in 2018 for amendment, was still awaiting legislative attention and final passage into law.

When passed into law, the PWD bill will protect the rights and dignity of PWDs, while ensuring their social security. It is also required to promote, protect and ensure the rights by PWDs and ensure that they enjoy equality under the law, necessary for inclusive development.

The appeal formed the core message of various groups of PWDs in Kano during the 2021 International Day of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD) at the weekend.

Leader of the association and Special Adviser to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Disability, Tasiu Garko, who highlighted challenges facing people with disability in the state, said the passage of the bill into law would pave way for the establishment of a commission that would take care of their special needs.

Tasiu said the law imperative to reduce inequality between able-bodied persons and those with special needs for social inclusion, enhancing investment in human and social capital development through good health, education and good governance, among others.

He stressed that PWDs should be recognised, especially those with potential and be engage in productive ways for the overall development of the state.

“As a matter of urgency, we urge the government to prioritise passage of Persons With Disability Amendment Bill 2021 into Law with focus on establishing a commission for PWDs by the end of 2022 assigned in the Mutual Accountability Framework with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO),” he stated.

On her part, Social Protection and Inclusion Manager, Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID), Gladys Ahuwan, canvassed the urgent need for the passage of the Bill, essentially to boost implementation of policies to improve the lives of PWDs and disconnect them from excruciating barriers in society.