NHRC warns on discrimination against disabled

Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Bem Angwe, has warned Nigerians not to discriminate against persons living with disabilities.

Angwe, who gave the warning in Calabar during a sensitisation meeting on “Access to Public Buildings by Persons with Disabilities,” said such people should be allowed to enjoy their full rights like any other Nigerian.

He said: “The 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), at section 42, provides for equality of all persons and non-discrimination, on grounds of race, sex or circumstances of birth.

“The NHRC would assist persons living with disabilities to be informed, educated and enlightened to know their rights and how to claim those rights.”
The NHRC boss reiterated the resolve of the Commission to collaborate with private agencies “so as to assist the disabled access public buildings and utilities,” adding that plans were on-going to re-model existing buildings to accommodate the disabled.

Also speaking, the chairman of Nigeria Association of the Blind, Cross River state chapter, Dr Jacob Agba, said the meeting was timely since it reminded the blind of their rights and how to claim them.

Agba, who is also a senior lecturer in the department of Mass Communication, Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar, appealed to the state government to empower and employ the disabled into the state civil service.