INEC Assures PWDs, Citizens Adequate Inclusion
By Vasty Bala Jonah
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says for democracy to thrive and work effectively, citizens of Nigeria including persons with disability must participate fully in the electoral process.
The INEC Public Relations Officer Gombe Mohorret Bigun, stated this on Tuesday during a one day capacity building workshop for National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Gombe state chapter, People Living with Disability, civil society organisations in Gombe, security agencies and other major stakeholders at Hajiya Amina Inuwa Hall Gombe.
Our Correspondent reports that the event was organised by CEDAR SEED Foundation in collaboration with NAWOJ.
He said there could never be true democracy if a section of the population are left out and not carried along in the electoral process.
Considering the number of people with disability in Nigeria, Bigun said “they matter and the commission has made adequate provisions for them base on the electoral act 2022 and 2023 election guidelines.”
He called for the supply of data of people with disabilities in Local Government Areas and wards to enable the commission get the required aids for their voting during the forthcoming general election.
While stating that INEC would give priority to people with disabilities and special needs during voting, the PRO urged the citizens not to bully them especially on election day.
Commenting on the essence of the workshop, the programme officer of CEDAR SEED Foundation Jesse John Bahuyak, described the right of people with disability as not a charity as such
they should not be neglected but be supported to enable them exercise their civil rights.
In their remarks, some of the participants expressed their concerns on the security of the people with disability during election, urging INEC and security agencies to ensure the lives of the people are safe.
While responding, INEC and representative of NSCDC assured of their preparedness to protect the lives of all citizens during the forthcoming general election.
The Chairperson of NAWOJ Gombe Talatu Lamon, while appreciating the participants for coming, enjoined them to make proper use of the knowledge gained and bring to limelight the challenges of people with disability for the relevant stakeholders to take action.
This is amazing.
CSF – NAWOJ indeed a milestone is set in Gombe State. Inclusion of Citizens with Disability in the 2023 General Election is key and must be prioritize.