From Laiatu Bamaiyi, Kebbi
Kebbi State groups of persons with disability have raised concerns regarding discrimination in the recent appointments made by the state executive on the commission board members, The groups are urging for a more inclusive approach, emphasizing that the current practices do not align with the provisions outlined in the legislation bill.
These groups are calling for immediate action to ensure that individuals with disabilities are adequately represented and that their voices are heard in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
In a concerning development the groups cried out and raised alarms over what they describe as systemic discrimination of some top government officials in recent appointments on the Kebbi State Persons with Disabilities Commission, as repeating the same set of people appointed as special Assistant to the governor few months ago.
The complaint, addressed to the Honorable Speaker, highlights a troubling pattern of exclusion that undermines the rights of various disability groups in the state for personal reasons.
The groups revealed that in the initial appointments of Special Advisors, no representatives were selected from critical disability clusters such as the Deaf community, individuals affected by leprosy, those with albinism, or the blind.
This trend persisted with subsequent appointments to the Commission’s governing board, where all appointees were exclusively from the physically challenged community, excluding other significant segments of the disabled population.
This lack of representation is a clear violation of the Disability Commission Act and highlights broader issues of marginalization faced by these communities. Leaders from the National Association of the Blind, Nigerian Association of the Deaf, IDEA Nigeria, and Nigerian Association of Persons with Albinism have joined forces to demand immediate action to address this injustice.
The Association is urging the Executive Governor Dr Nasir Idris to take swift and decisive action to ensure that appointments within the Disability Commission are fair and inclusive.
They emphasize that for Kebbi State to foster an equitable society, all disability groups must be given a voice in decision-making processes but unless if some top official are out for manipulation .
the coalition is calling on the Executive Governor for broad support to rectify the situation. Ensuring equitable representation for all persons with disabilities is not just a legal requirement, but a fundamental human right that must be upheld in all governance structures.
The groups are hopeful that their appeal will resonate beyond local borders, garnering the necessary support to promote true inclusivity and equal opportunities for all disabled individuals in Kebbi State.
