A member of the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, on Monday, pleaded with the 774 local government chairmen across Nigeria to appoint supervisors on matters relating to Persons with Disabilities.
Bankole said the recommendation if implemented, would ensure the inclusion of PWDs at the grassroots level, particularly as democratically elected leaderships are now in place across the country.
He made the plea in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
His appeal comes barely three months after the Supreme Court affirmed the right of local governments to receive monthly allocations directly from the federation account.
The apex court granted full autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (amended).
However, the APC national leader, saddled with PWD matters, argued that the appointment of supervisors for matters relating to Persons With Disabilities in local government administration would promote equality and the fight against stigmatisation.
He said, “We have observed over time that despite continuous appeals and engagements, the current structure in many local government areas reflects a concerning exclusion of PWDs in leadership and decision-making roles. To bridge this gap, we appeal that each LGA appoint a supervisor — preferably an individual with a disability —to serve as a liaison between the government and the PWD community.
“Local governments are the closest level of government to the people and their policies impact daily lives. Yet, many LGAs lack direct representation of PWDs in their leadership. An appointed supervisor in each local government, ideally a PWD, would serve as an essential voice for the community.
“They can equally advocate for their needs and ensure that policies are implemented in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. This is a crucial step toward addressing the prevailing exclusion of PWDs in our governance.”
The APC chieftain concluded by urging all LGA leaders and stakeholders to support the initiative, adding that it will mark a significant step toward building an inclusive and equitable society for all Nigerians.