By Kelechi Ugo.
The Imo State Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, JONAPWD,Hon. Dr. Stanley Chinedu Nwachukwu has applauded the State House of Assembly for the passage of a bill prohibiting discrimination against Persons With Disabilities, PWDs.
Dr. Nwachukwu who is also the South/East Special Citizens Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC thanked the Imo State 10th Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe for his sagacious leadership as well as praising member representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Innocent Ikpamezie for sponsoring the disability rights bill.
He called on the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency,Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to quickly sign the bill into law as Imo disabled communities will ever remain grateful to him.
Meanwhile, the Imo State House of Assembly was on Wednesday 16th passed a bill for a law prohibit discrimination against Persons With Disabilities, PWDs. The bill which gives room for social justice and inclusion, rights for equal opportunities, education, healthcare, employment and public infrastructure amongst Persons With Disabilities, PWDs awaits Imo State Governor’s signature to become a law.
However, the bill provides legal recourse to hold accountable any individual or institution that discriminates against or denies PWDs their fundamental rights.
The news of the passage of the rights bill left jubilation in disabled communities in Imo State, who had long fought for recognition and equal rights.
Prince Ikechukwu Ibeh, a prominent disability rights advocate described the passage of the bill as a monumental achievement for the disabilities.
He Commended the collective efforts of advocacy groups including The Qualitative Magazine, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD and Comrade Chris Agbo whose tireless campaigns were pivotal in driving the legislation forward.
