Karu: Persons with Disabilities in Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa have called for recognition and political appointments for their members in the area. Mr. Kura Magaji, Chairman of Persons with Disabilities in Karu, made this appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Magaji emphasized that appointing members of the disabled community to political offices would not only provide them with a sense of belonging but also enable them to contribute effectively to society. He stated, 'We want the government at the local level to give one of us a political appointment with an office attached. By doing so, our voice can be heard, and our complaints addressed to the right office for easy response and task execution.'
Magaji expressed concerns that without a political representative, Persons with Disabilities are unable to access their rights and entitlements. He noted that the lack of a substantive office or representative has hindered their ability to benefit from government palliatives provided to Nigerians. 'If we had a representative or advisory office, we would have been duly attended to, or know where to channel our grievances when necessary,' he added.
The chairman also highlighted the ongoing issues of stigmatization and discrimination faced by Persons with Disabilities. He pointed out that societal misconceptions contribute to their challenges, as people often see them as unequal or incapable. Magaji countered this by stating, 'Persons with Disabilities also have careers, work, and engage in businesses, and we have farmers and traders among us.'
The group in Karu consists of 735 registered active members who meet monthly. Magaji commended the current Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, Mr. Aliyu Madaki, for his support and urged him to ensure that Persons with Disabilities have at least one appointee among his advisers.
Magaji concluded by appealing to the government to consider the new appointment structure for local government administration under the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and include Persons with Disabilities in these appointments.