Gombe assembly passes bill to establish disability commission

The Gombe house of assembly has passed a bill to establish the state disability commission.

The bill was sponsored by Shuaibu Haruna, a lawmaker.

The move is regarded as a landmark development meant to protect the rights of people with disabilities (PWDs) and ensure their full participation and equal opportunities in Nigeria.

The passage of the bill follows the adoption of a report from the house committee on women affairs, social development, special duties and inter-governmental affairs which was presented at the assembly’s committee of the whole.

Gabriel Galadima Fushison, the chairman of the committee and lawmaker representing Kaltungo west, said the bill was a private member’s initiative which was well scrutinised to be in accordance with the needs of the people of the state.

The committee swung into action immediately after receiving the bill by organising a public hearing, gathering inputs from major stakeholders including the attorney-general and commissioner for justice, the commissioner of police, civil society organisations (CSOs) and professional bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), (International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and others.

Their contributions were instrumental in making changes to the bill, with 23 sections amended to improve its provisions.

Shuaibu expressed his desire for an inclusive society where all its citizens, including PWDs can actively and meaningfully participate in governance and have access to equal opportunities, including the right to vote and be voted for during elections.

The passage of the bill and the consideration of new legislation showed the state readiness to provide progressive and inclusive governance.