Inclusive Governance: APC Chieftain Calls for Persons with Disabilities’ Involvement in Local Government Administration
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, has called for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in local government administration to promote equality and fight against stigmatisation. Bankole made the plea in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, just two weeks 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). The seven-man panel in a unanimous decision agreed that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive or retain funds allocated to the local governments.
Bankole urged the leadership of governors to take proactive steps to ensure that PWDs are not only included but actively encouraged to participate in the upcoming local government elections. He argued that this would not only promote justice and equality but also enrich the nation’s democratic processes and governance structures.
The APC chieftain pointed out that the Discrimination Against PWDs (Prohibition) Act, 2018, offers a comprehensive framework for their protection and inclusion in all spheres of public life, including political participation. Specifically, Section 25 of the Act mandates the right of PWDs to participate in political activities on an equal basis with others.
Bankole also urged Nigerians to exercise restraint in the planned nationwide protests, acknowledging the importance of expressing grievances and demanding accountability. However, he emphasized the need to ensure that the people’s actions do not escalate into violence or unrest, and that peaceful and constructive dialogue remains the most effective way to bring about meaningful change.
The call for inclusivity in local government administration is a significant step towards promoting equality and fighting against stigmatisation of PWDs in Nigeria. As the country moves forward, it is crucial that leaders prioritize the involvement of PWDs in governance structures to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
