Physically challenged appeal for inclusion in Buhari’s cabinet

Lafia – The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) on Tuesday appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to consider their members for cabinet appointment. Mr Dauda Sale, the National Secretary of the association told newsmen in Lafia that the same gesture should be replicated by Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State and his counterparts. Sale noted that the inclusion of physically challenged in the Buhari’s cabinet would further give them a sense of belonging in the scheme of affairs in the states and the country. He said that people with disabilities often participate actively in elections and expressed disappointment how they were usually relegated to the background as soon as the elected official assume office. “If the physically challenged persons are given government positions, it would go a long way to reduce the hardship and discrimination they often face in the society. “Our members have been neglected over the years at the federal level in the area of education and healthcare,’’ the secretary said. He said that most of the members were intelligent and talented in spite of their physical challenges and could contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation. Sale also called on the Federal Government to initiate programmes that would help the physically challenged to become self-reliant instead of begging for arms to survive. The secretary commended Al-Makura for the ongoing construction of three special schools in the state to cater for the education of the physically challenged. He, however, called for their speedy completion. (NAN)