EU-SDGN Advocates Appointment of PWDs in Government

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme has called for the appointment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in government positions across the country.

It noted that while majority of persons with disabilities were not elected in the just concluded general election, there was still an opportunity for their inclusion in appointive positions in government at the national and state levels.

The Chief Executive Officer The Abino Foundation (TAF) Africa, and implementing partner of the EU-SDGN, Jake Epelle, in a statement issued yesterday, noted that there cannot be strong, effective and legitimate democratic institutions without the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities.

He said they want the current administration to hear their voice and to hear that they are qualified for any and every appointive office. 

He said President Bola Tinubu should take the bull by the horns and appoint persons with disabilities as ministers.

Epelle, also called on all the governors across to appoint persons with disabilities as Commissioners. 

He said: “We are grateful that in the past, we’ve been appointed Special Advisers and some other Heads of Establishments, especially establishments for persons with disabilities, but we need to go a notch higher. Who says we cannot be Ministers? 

“If you take us out of governance, then what you’re going to run is an exclusive government, and an exclusive government is not a government of national unity. If you truly want to run a government of national unity, then that government should be inclusive of all, irrespective of their gender, irrespective of their status, irrespective of their religion, whatever needs to be done so that everyone will sit on the table is the way forward. 

“Persons with disabilities are very prepared. We have PhD holders, master’s degrees, but it’s not about the degree you have, it is your preparation for leadership. And we have the right people that will make us proud. Just give us the opportunity, that’s what we’re asking for. When you pursue true inclusion, it eliminates cultural stereotypes.

“Service is not written on anybody’s face. Give everybody that is qualified the chance to serve. Don’t give us a Minister because we’re persons with disabilities. Give us a Minister because we have the ability to run that office, make a difference and be part of nation building.”

Also, the Founder and President, Network of Women with Disabilities, Auta Lois, reminded policy makers, decision makers, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, media institutions, and all key actors and stakeholders that persons with disabilities have the right to be appointed and elected into a public office.