The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), on Wednesday, commended the Abia State House of Assembly for the passage of the Disability Bill into law.
The Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), David Anyaele, in a statement in Abuja, indicated: “I received with joy today the news of the passage of Abia State Disability Bill by Chinedu Orji-led Abia State House of Assembly.
“The passage of this bill is a strong demonstration by the House that all lives are precious, in particular the lives of Abians with disabilities.
“Especially as Persons with Disabilities in the state are the most excluded in governance at the subnational level in Nigeria.”
Anyaele said that the presence of a legal framework for the protection of the rights and dignity of PWDs is a welcomed development in the state.
He said that with the passage of the bill, there would be an end to the exclusion of Abia people with disabilities in governance by government and non-state actors.
He called on the Clerk of the House to expedite action on the bill for onward transmission to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for assent.
He also called on Ikpeazu not to hesitate in signing the bill into law, adding that his wife had made great commitment and contributions toward getting the bill passed.
“We thank Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, wife of the Governor of Abia State, for her solidarity with the disability community during this campaign for the passage of the bill.
“Nkechi addressed the House of Assembly on July 15, 2021 on the need to pass the Disability Bill and today the house has done the needful,” he said.
Anyaele also appreciated the disability community in the state for the resilience, consistency and push in advocating and lobbying for the passage of the bill.