By Paul Efiong, ABUJA
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for adding his signature to the Discrimination Against Persons with disabilities Prohibition Act 2018, which seeks among others to stop all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities in the country.
Addressing a world press conference in Abuja, the National President of JONAPWD Ms. Ekaette Judith Umoh, expressed happiness to President Buhari-led government for coming to the aid of over 27 Million Nigerians with disabilities.
Ekaette further expressed her association readiness to test run the law having had to endure humiliation and discrimination from people, government and corporate entity for over 20 years in the county.
He assured that with the current development in the country, Nigeria has demonstrated her readiness and commitment to honor international obligation as one of the countries that are signatory to International Treaty Aimed at protecting the rights of persons with disabilities(CRPD).
According to JONAPWD boss, ‘the Discrimination against persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act would see corporate entities and individuals face excruciating sanction if found guilty of discriminating against persons with disabilities’.
Umoh said, “In a historic moment, the government of the Muhammadu Buhari has in response to the plight of over 27 million Nigerians with disabilities assented to the discrimination against persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, as of yesterday the 23″d of January 2019.
“The presidential Assent to the bill has demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to honor its international obligations as one of the countries that are signatory to the CRPD, an international treaty aimed at protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
“Act would see corporate entities and! individuals face excruciating sanctions if found guilty of discriminating against persons with disabilities,” she said.
