Politics
THE National Assembly (NASS), has advised various disability organisations in the country to be closer to the National Assembly committee on National Commission for Disabilities for useful oversight functions.
Mr Mohammed Hassan, Director of Legislative Drafting, NASS, gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja at a one-day stakeholders’ forum on the convening of the next level for the disability advocacy in Nigeria.
At the forum, organised by Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Hassan urged the groups to begin to submit their budgetary estimates to the appropriate committee for early consideration and input.
He noted that early familiarisation with the appropriate committees and its members was paramount for quick take-off of the disability commission and for measurable progress and achievements.
“It is very important for disability groups to begin to engage the NASS either officially or privately in order to identify and gather relevant information that can be helpful for the smooth take-off of the commission.
“CCD and other disability organisations should identify the appropriate committee to oversee the commission because it is the major ladder to the success of the commission.
“It is the committee that will aid and facilitate majority of the measurable progress that will be recorded in the commission, and now is the right time to begin to familiarise.
“It is also the right time to begin to draw out and submit budgetary estimate to the committee for early consideration and input,” he said.
He, however, urged the groups not to bombard those who would be appointed to stir the affairs of the commission but to give them the benefit of doubt and set probationary period to have a smooth and proper take-off.
Mr Sam Amadi, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory commission (NERC), urged the group and other disability organisations to hold the commission and its appointees when constituted accountable on every aspect.
Amadi also said that it was paramount for the commission to take-off on a very high note and without compromise in order to gain the trust of the people.
“It is very important that the commission starts at a very high note, full of energy and without any compromise or biases.
“PWDs must also ensure that certain conditions are put in place to checkmate the activities of the commission before it begins to take any strong decision.
“These conditions should include consultation of PWDs groups across the country before any major action or decision is taken by the commission,’’ he said.
He also advised disability groups across the country to come together as a unified and non contradictory coalition in order to achieve any form of success.
“When the disability body is united nationwide, any positive demand they make to the commission will be easily granted and it will be very difficult for the board to do contrary to their interests.
“It is also important for PWDs to build their own capacity in order to be able to give intelligent advice where necessary to the board of the commission when consulted.
“If any of the persons to be appointed lacks adequate knowledge or experience in relation to disability matters, it is the PWDs themselves that will guide the decisions of such a person where need be,’’ he said.
He, however, urged PWDs not to antagonise or give advise solely based on sentiment and emotion but to ensure that any advice given is based on the overall interest of the commission and the no fewer than 25 million PWDs.
Mr David Anyaele, the Executive Director of CCD, advised PWDs across the country not to relent in ensuring that the commission lived up to the expectations of the no fewer than 25million PWDs in the country.
According to him, in the country paper policies and plans without actions are usually the order of the day and as such stakeholders need to put in more efforts to ensure that policies and plans are actualised.
“CCD will not fold its hand to watch any person or group of persons treat the commission and the affairs of the commission as a personal property or as a hand-carrying organisation.
“We would also not watch the NASS undermine the activities of the commission by neglecting its oversight duties to the commission.
“We would strive to ensure that both the key players of the commission and the NASS would work tirelessly to ensure that the commission is exactly what PWDs envisaged,’’ he said.
He urged the media not to relent in main streaming disability issues and especially the process of appointment of its board members for the awareness of all across board. (NAN)
– Sept. 15, 2020 @ 18:35 GMT |
Tags: Disability Commission: Familiarise with oversight committee — NASS advises PWDs
