The Speaker, Gombe State House Assembly, Mr Abubakar Luggerewo, says they are committed to the speedy passage of a bill that will boost the welfare and protection of the People Living with Disabilities (PWDs).
The News Agency of Nigeria (N AN) reports that it is the State Disability Protection Law and Establishment of State Disability Commission Bill.
Luggerewo made the pledge at the one-day committee retreat to harness public hearing inputs on the proposed law on Tuesday in Bauchi.
He said that the assembly had prioritised the Bill for the Gombe State Disability Protection Law and establishment of Gombe State Disability Commission and other matters related on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, for the first and second reading.
“Achieving a legislative landmark on the eve of Democracy Day celebration demonstrated the commitment and the dedication of the assembly to democratic values and responsiveness to the community of PWDs, which makes us pacesetter to other assemblies.
“We will work assiduously to see that the bill sees the light of the day and also receives the blessings of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya,” the speaker said.
According to him, the Gombe State Disability Protection Law is not just a piece of legislation, but declarations of commitment to the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their abilities.
“The establishment of the Gombe State Disability Commission will serve as a beacon of hope, ensuring that these rights are upheld and that our policies are implemented effectively and efficiently,” he said.
Earlier, the Programme Manager, Inclusive Friends Awareness, Mr Moses Oluwaseyi, said that the retreat for the legislators was organised by Advocacy for Disability Act Cluster (ADAC), with the support of USAID and Palladium.
“The Advocacy for Disability Act has appealed to the Women Affairs and Special Duties Committee of Gombe State House of Assembly to hasten action on the six-week public hearing on disability bill, which recently scaled first and second readings,” Oluwaseyi said.
He said that the state had demonstrated interest and commitment to issues that concern the disability community.
Oluwaseyi said that ADAC remained optimistic that in no time, the state would join the league of inclusive states in Nigeria.
“ADAC believes that a dawn of reality to the words of the inclusive Gombe State governor will come to a reality in the shortest possible time,” he said.
Oluwaseyi said that ADAC remained resolute in their commitment to providing the necessary support for the empowerment and dreams of PWDs.
“Efforts are underway to establish an agency to cater to the unique needs and welfare of our PWD community.
“ADAC humbly requests for speedy assent upon the completion of the legislative process for this Bill,” Oluwaseyi said. (NAN
