DOMESTICATE “DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PERSONS WITH DISABILITY PROHIBITION ACT,” NASS BEGS STATES

Reporter : CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

The National Assembly has called on State Houses of Assembly to domesticate the “Discrimination Against Persons With Disability Prohibition Act” to protect the rights of persons with challenges in their states.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Persons with Disabilities, Princess Miriam Onuoha, made the call during a retreat organized for members of the Committee in Owerri. She expressed regret that despite the existence of necessary legislations to protect the rights of over thirty-five million Nigerians with disabilities, the people were still subjected to psychological torture following infringement on their rights by members of the society.

Princess Onuoha, who represents Isiala Mbano-Onuimo and Okigwe federal constituency, explained that the National Assembly was committed to ensuring inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of the society whether in access, mobility or employment.

“This Committee will work in partnership with other relevant organisations to ensure that rights of persons with disability will not be infringed upon and to ensure the full weight of the  law on anyone who contravenes the provisions of this law,” she stated.

The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James Lalu, lamented that persons with disabilities were often abused and discriminated against by the same persons that should protect them. He called for a more robust approach towards uplifting the challenged persons in the society.