Planned Nationwide Protest; PWDs Drums Suport to President Tinubu, Says Protest Diversive, Anti-democracy

By Yusuf  Mohammed Lawan, Gombe, 29th July,2024.

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria has thrawn their total support and admiration to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's people-oriented administration at this crucial time of persistent threats to national peace and security of the country being orchestrated by some vested interests in the nation.

This was contained in the text of press conference granted to media personels  by the Senior Special Assistant to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. AbbaMohammed Isa on Monday. Earlier, the Presidential aide explained  the collective position of the over 35 millions Nigerians with disabilities who unanimously agreed to shown any temptation attempt from.any group in the counyry to make  join the planned nationwide protest. 

He said, "i call this press conference to apprise you with the position of the community of Nigerians with disabilities regarding the proposed nationwide protest being planned by certain elements who in our opinion do not mean well for the country"

"We wish to state that the community of Persons With Disabilities and special needs in Nigeria are totally against the proposed protest and we completely dissociate ourselves from the destructive exercise which aim is solely to turn back the wheel of progress the nation is recording under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu"

He added, "Without any equivocation, the over 35.1 million PWDs in Nigeria remain united and stand strong by the government of Asiwaju and his Renewed Hope Agenda. I want to categorically state that there is no bad governance under President Tinubu leadership. Instead since the inception of this administration, the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly, Persons With Disabilities, has been the primary focus and preoccupation of this government. The President has shown unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all citizens, including Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)"

"The proposed protest is being masterminded by political opponents who are seeking to seize power through the backdoor. It is essential that we, as a nation, recognize these attempts for what they are: efforts to undermine our democracy and disrupt the progress we are making. I am proud to announce that the 35 million Nigerians with disabilities have declared their non-participation in the proposed protest. Despite being among the most vulnerable and disproportionately facing hardships compared to our non-disabled counterparts, PWDs in Nigeria have chosen to place their faith in the Renewed Hope agenda and the emerging policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which we believe have long-term benefits for all Nigerians"

While stating the collective resolve  of the Nigerians with disabilities to boycott  the ill-motivative planned protest, the Presidential aide noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated various PWDs-centred policies and programmes that have direct bearing to the socioeconomic, political and intellectual development of persons with disabilities in Nigeria than any other administration and which the PWDs, their families and indeed every patriotic Nigerian should be proud of.

 His words, "this administration's commitment to the welfare of PWDs is evident through initiatives such as the Beyond Disability Project. The presidency has invested 1 billion naira into this project, a gesture that has restored hope among PWDs. Furthermore, we are encouraged by the various empowerment programs in the pipeline for PWDs that require our patience and resilience to attain"

Highlighting the many PWDs - oriented policies and programmes achieved by the current administration, the SSA stated "under President Tinubu's leadership, significant strides have been made with regards to the rights and welfare of Persons With Disabilities"including the hollowing; the appointment of an SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities to oversee the inclusion of disability requirements and perspectives in policies plans and programs of MDAs, including subnational authorities. Funding of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, a long-awaited milestone for our community. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's historic signing of the Africa Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, demonstrating his commitment to our welfare"

Other projects according to the SSA include; "the allocation of 10% of all social intervention funds for PWDs, by some government ministries aimed at ensuring our inclusion in development programs, the establishment of APC PWD structures from national to local government levels, providing a platform for our voices to be heard, the recent launching of the Beyond Disability Project, empowering PWDs through talent and skill development, educational support, agricultural schemes, food banks, assistive devices, and medical outreach programs as well as the president's continued support for the Beyond Disability Project starting with a 1 billion naira grant, demonstrating the government's tangible commitment to our empowerment" the Presidential aide added. 

Reiterating the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu's never-ending commitment to making life more better and meaningful to PWDs the Presidential aide says "distinguished members of the press, without any doubt, no government has been as committed to the welfare and well-being of Persons With Disabilities and special needs in Nigeria as this current administration.

" As I conclude, I urge all Nigerians, especially those with disabilities, to reject the call for protest. Let us stand together in unity, support our government, and work towards a brighter future for all. Our patience and cooperation will pave the way for continued progress and prosperity under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu" he concluded.