By Our Reporter
Abuja
A non-governmental organization, Disabled World Nigeria Advocacy (DWNA) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the composition of the Governing Council of the National Commission for Persons Living With Disabilities and the appointment of Dr Hussaini
Suleiman Kangiwa as the chairman and James David Lalu as the executive secretary.
In a statement signed by the chairman and chief executive officer of DWNA, Mr Paul Uwadima, the organization also congratulated the chairman and the executive secretary and other members of the commission representing the six geo-political zones of the country.
Uwadima said that the organization is particularly happy that the President adhered strictly to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019 which established the commission and made it a requirement that only persons living with disabilities can chair the commission and also be appointed executive secretary as well as other members of the commission.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated that he is an inclusive President who cares about the welfare of persons living with disabilities. This is the President who signed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019 into law after decades of rejection by previous presidents and is walking the talk by ensuring the implementation of the Act. He deserves commendation,” Uwadima said.
The chairman of Disabled World Nigeria Advocacy, who is also a media practitioner and author, noted that according to the Act, the Commission shall be headed by a part-time chairman and six members who shall be persons with disabilities representing the geo-political zones of the federation subject to confirmation of the Senate for a four-year term of office in the first instance, and may be reappointed for a second term of four years and no more.
It would be recalled that on Monday, August 24, 2020 presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina announced the composition of the Governing Council by President Muhammadu Buhari. The statement also explained that the Executive Secretary, who shall be responsible to the Council for the implementation of the policies and administration of the daily affairs of the Commission, shall also be a Person with Disability with a five-year tenure in the first instance, and may be reappointed for a second term and no more.
He listed the names, designations and geo-political zones of members of the Management of the Commission to include; Hon. Dr Hussaini Suleiman Kangiwa – Chairman – North West; Oparaku Onyejelam Jaja – Member – South East; Philomena Isioma Konwea – Member – South South;
Omopariola Busuyi Oluwasola – Member – South West; Amina Rahma Audu – Member – North West; Mrs Esther Andrew Awu – Member – North Central; Abba Audu Ibrahim – Member – North East; James David Lalu – Executive Secretary – North Central.
