The National Commission for Persons With Disabilities and the Nigeria Police have formed an alliance that will ensure compliance and enforcement of the 2018 Act prohibiting the discrimination of Persons With disabilities.
Executive Secretary of the commission, James Lalu who stated this at the launch of the special desk for Persons with disabilities held at the force headquarters, Abuja said Persons With Disabilities, now have the full support of men and Officers of the Nigeria Police in the protection of their rights and dignity.
According to a signed statement by Mbanefo JohnMichaels,
Head Media and Publicity (NCPWD),the Executive Secretary expressed gratitude on behalf of over 35.5 million PWDs to the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Usman Baba, over the laudable feat with assurance that the commission will always support the Nigeria Police in the enforcement of the 2018 prohibition Act.
Lalu further reiterated confidence in effortyof the police to enforce the act saying the desk offices will serve as quick response units which will handle any form of discrimination or abuse against PWDs in any part of the country.
In her keynote address, the Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadia Umar Farouq who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Nura Alkali reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to the welfare of Persons With Disabilities.
She used the platform to urge the Nigeria Police to inculcate the disability curriculum into the police Institute scheme so as to have inclusivity and visibility of PWDs in societal affairs.
Speaking further, Hajia Farouq mentioned that the 2018 Act prohibiting the discrimination of Persons With Disabilities will be “mere statements if not accompanied with enforcement”
Meanwhile,the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba in his remarks said the police will continue to protect not just the lives and properties of persons with disabilities but, giving maximum cover to them against social abuse.
He however warned of an urgent need to de-stereotyping the mindset of the populace from neglect and dehumanizing attitude towards Persons With Disabilities.
Alkali also disclosed that Disability Desk Offices will be operating as focal centers domiciled at the force headquarters in efforts to bridge the gap between the police and PWDs.
The Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Abubakar Aliu Usman also expressed absolute gratitude to the Nigeria Police for partnering with the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities to give the entire community of Persons with Disabilities the protection of their fundamental rights as provided by the 2018 Act.
He said the slogan” Police is your friend” has become a reality by the synergy established today.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the Logo signifying partnership between the Nigeria Police and the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities.
