FROM RAHILA ABDULLAHI, KADUNA
Recent call by PwDs in Politics urging President Bola Tinubu to appoint Tolu Bankole as Minister for People with Disabilities has raised concerns about the group’s true intentions and level of understanding of the nation’s governance structure.
The demand, which has been widely criticised, lacks substance, considering the fact that there is no Ministry for People with Disabilities in Nigeria.
This glaring oversight has led many to question the group’s credibility and expertise on disability matters.
In a press statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, Deputy National Coordinator, Coalition of Concerned Arewa Civil Society Organisations, Comrade Haruna Mohammed expressed disappointment at the group’s approach, noting that those calling for Bankole’s appointment lack the relevant knowledge on politics.
Haruna questioned the group’s audacity for making demand for ministerial position, even when they have never contributed anything to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
“The group should redirect its energy towards engaging governors to consider appointing Bankole as a Special Assistant, SA, or Senior Special Assistant, SSA, on Disability Matters, rather than making an appeal for a ministry that does not exist at a time that the president is talking about merging ministries.”
“PwDs in Politics should focus on building a relationship with APC leaders and governors, capacity building for people with disabilities and advocating for policy reforms and inclusive legislation.
“By adopting these strategies, they can create meaningful change and demonstrate their commitment to the APC and the welfare of people with disabilities. The call for a ministerial appointment is misguided and unrealistic,” Mohammed said.
