News, Society

Rilwan Abdullahi Cries Out: “Sign Our Disability Bill”

Rilwan MohammedThe newly elected Chairman, Physically Challenge Association of Kaduna State, Rilwan Mohammed Abdullahi was a one-time Vice-President, Join National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD). The focused and talented man of repute in an interview with Zainab Tanimu our Kaduna based correspondent opened up on the worries of persons living with disability with regards to the federal government’s proposed law on the prohibition of street begging without commensurate action plan that would see to the plight of persons with disability. Rilwan has accused members of the National Assembly of ‘in-action’ over the signing into law the national disability bill which he said has been before the house for over 12 years now. “If this bill is signed and properly implemented, I am assuring Nigerians that you would not find a single person with disability on the street”.

As the new chairman, how do you hope to steer the ship especially in a state like Kaduna where there is a move to prohibit street begging?

I must say this terrain is not new to me. I have tackled issues of people living with disability on different occasions. All I need is the support of my people because I cannot do it alone even if I have to put in the whole of my strength and talent I still need their support. We are hoping that we would find a way out. We would try to find a way out to dialogue with government. You see, you can’t confront the government on issues like this but there is need to draw the attention of government to the fact that you don’t embark on such law without making provision for people living with disability. This is not even a state issue because I learnt that national assembly is coming up with a law that would prohibit begging all over the country. It is really unfortunate. The most baffling thing is that there is a law on how to improve the lives of people with disability lying at the national assembly for about 12-15years now and nothing has been done about it. No single member has made an effort to make sure that the bill scale through but now they are thinking of passing a law that would stop people from begging. We intend to collaborate with Human Rights group, NGOs, the media and those that have passion for persons with disability and see how we can get out of this predicament. It’s really unfortunate.

See also  Heritage Bank Boss, Sekibo Opens Up

What really does this bill contain?

The National Disability bill entails so many things. Such things like education, access to health facilities, infact, generally all aspects that concerns the lives of people living with disability. I want to assure Nigerians that if that bill is signed and implemented properly, you would not find a single person with disability on the street begging. More so, the bill would pave way for persons with disability to be gainfully employed and be full member of the society. You see, the advantage of the bill is enormous.

See also  Ladi Adebutu Denies Joining APC

What is your dream for this association now that you are occupying the mantle of leadership?

My dream is to make sure that members of this association are accepted fully in the society. Make them have sense of belonging and making sure that those that are opportuned to have one education or the other are given jobs accordingly. For those who find themselves on the other side, we would sensitize and train them in skills of their choice. By so doing, they become relevant to the society.

Is education one of your priorities?

Definitely, you see; if not for the sake of education… Let me sight an example with my humble self. I wouldn’t have been here. I am really very much particular about education and it would be given much attention.

The complaint by government is that the almajiri schools (school for beggars) are not fully utilized. What is your reaction to this?

You see, the almajiri issue is quite different from that of persons with disability. When you talk of schools, we have rehabilitation centers, we have special schools for persons living with disability. We are only concerned with those schools. That of almajiris basically concerns the Ulamas (Mallams) who have some almajiris under their care. So, I don’t know anything about that.

See also  Williams Uchemba's Revelation

Are you saying they are two different things?

Yes! You see, a normal person can even be a beggar. So, is a different thing entirely.

Does the non-inclusion of sign language in our mode of communication for persons with disability worry you?

Of course yes.  You see, sign language is a language that is mainly applicable to those with hearing disability and when sign language is not there, it means nobody is there. If you deprive some segments the opportunity of hearing what is going on in the society, it means you are depriving them of one of their fundamental human rights as Nigerians. Sign language should be a public language such that when you go to hospitals, schools and media houses an interpreter is found to take care of those who have hearing disability. Some television stations I noticed engage the services of interpreters who communicate in sign language for effective communication whenever some national programmes are on. This I must commend for I see it as very fundamental because we are all Nigerians. So, it should be encouraged.