Non-Governmental Organisations known as ‘Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative’ and ‘Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities’ in Benue State have called on the State Assembly to expedite action and pass the disability bill to law.
The Executive Director of HAPI, Aver Akighir, who spoke on Thursday on the executive bill that had been forwarded to the state assembly, noted that the bill, when passed to law, has the potential to provide a legal framework that guarantees the rights and full participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life.
Akighir, who appreciated the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, for approving the draft bill, stated that when passed into law, the disability act would ensure the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
He said, “The recent approval of the Disability bill by the State Executive Council and its subsequent forwarding to the State House of Assembly as an executive bill is a step toward fostering a society that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of the rights of persons with disabilities.
“We urge the House of Assembly to prioritize the disability bill, recognising its transformative impact on over 15 percent of the state’s population of persons with disabilities.
“Speedy enactment and implementation of the disability law will not only align Benue State with national and international standards, such as the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities but will also serve as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities.
Earlier, the Special Assistant to the governor on disability, Bem Anshe appreciated the state governor for approving the draft bill and called on the legislative arm to ensure early passage of the bill to law.
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