THE National Association of Persons Living With Disabilities has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put in place an enabling environment that would allow Nigerians with disabilities to participate actively in next month’s general elections.
Speaking at a workshop for persons with disabilities who have secured tickets to contest the elections organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja, National President of the association, Barrister Bashorun Danlanmi, said persons living with disabilities have the right to participate effectively in the political process and appealed to INEC to put in place facilities that would enable them access the polling booths and cast their votes without difficulties.
He noted that lack of sign language in the political adverts being carried by television stations has posed serious challenge to over three million deaf people in the country, adding that politicians have nonchalant attitude to issues affecting people with disabilities.
Danlanmi regretted that the National Disability Bill, which is awaiting presidential ascent, has not been signed into law and urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ascent to the bill before the exit of the current administration.
“The Electoral Act did not consider intensively, the issue of persons living with disabilities. There is an absence of constitutional framework for the inclusion of persons living with disabilities in the political process. If the National Disability Bill is not signed into law before the tenure of this administration expires, it would be another lip service Nigerian leaders pay to the issues affecting persons living with disabilities,” he said.
In her address, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Iyom Josephine Anenih, said that in spite of efforts of persons living with disabilities to participate in politics as enshrined in Article 29 of the United Nations Conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities, they are being discouraged by discriminatory attitudes and practices.
She said the Federal Government is committed to equal opportunities for all and would continue to be responsive to the needs of persons living with disabilities, especially in the area of political participation.
