2019 elections: FG warns on politics of bitterness, rancour

THE Federal Government has appealed to politicians and every citizen to avoid politics and bitterness and rancour as the nation approaches 2019 general elections.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, who spoke in Abuja, reiterated the commitment of the government towards ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections that would represent the aspirations of Nigerians.

He spoke at the occasion marking the 2018 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held in his Office, where he called for the removal of barriers such as negative or hostile social environments, physical obstacles and inaccessibility, the absence of assistive or adaptive communication technology, mobility constraints, among others against persons with disabilities.

SGF said: “As we approach the forthcoming general election, I wish to specially appeal to every citizen to eschew bitterness and rancour.

“In the spirit of inclusion, special attention should be given to persons with disabilities to make the voting process less cumbersome for them.

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“Government has restated its unwavering commitment to a free and fair election. It is our duty as Nigerians to ensure that we perform our civic duties by voting under an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity,” Mustapha said.

He noted that International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly to promote an understanding of disability issues and to mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.

He said the theme for this year’s celebration is “Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality” noting that this was particularly auspicious as it relates to the pledge under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is to “leave no one behind.”

“This is a reminder for countries and in particular Nigeria, to address the needs of every member of society in an inclusive, equitable and sustainable manner.

“For this Government, it is in line with the simple but very profound affirmation of the President in 2015 that he belongs to everyone, irrespective of status or physical endowment.

“Unfortunately, it is a global fact that persons with disabilities face enormous challenges in their day-to-day activities.

“These challenges are often in the form of barriers that many of us take for granted. For instance, less than 10% of published materials are accessible to blind and visually impaired persons around the world. Here in Nigeria, we have initiated various policies to address the special needs of children of school age who live with disabilities,” he said.