A non-governmental irganisation (NGO), Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure widespread appointment of the People With Disabilities (PWDs) in his administration.

Dr Chike Okogwu, the founder and chief responsibility officer of the centre, said this in an open letter to the president on Thursday in Abuja.

He appealed to the President to ensure equal appointments for PWDs in all the six zones of the country, in line with the principle of the federal character as enshrined in the constitution.

Mr Okogwu stated that his position reflected the mind of the entire disability community in Nigeria, adding that equal consideration would foster inclusivity and strengthen democracy.

He appreciated the appointment of Mohammed Isa as the senior special assistant to the President on special needs and equal opportunities, and that of James Lalu, as the executive secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

Mr Okogwu said that although the group was happy with the appointments, it believed that it had not met the principles of the federal character.

Backing his argument with section 14(3) of the Federal Character Act, Mr Okogwu drew the attention of Mr Tinubu on the dissolution of the board of the NCPWD due to non-adherence to the provision of the Act.

He said that the dissolution without constitution of a new board had resulted in the lack of checks and balances in the running of the NCPWD.

Mr Okogwu said that the situation had made the disability community unhappy.

“In the light of these issues, we urgently appeal to you, Mr President, to use the powers of your office to correct and balance this anomaly.

“We request sir that you ensure equal representations of PWDs by appointing our members from different zones of Nigeria into key positions for the disability community in government.

“This will not only uphold the constitutional principle of Federal character spread but also foster inclusivity and strengthen our democracy.

“We understand that time is of the essence, as our members plans to protest on this matter.

“As a respected advocate for the disability community, we trust in your commitment and love for our community and believe that you will act swiftly to address this issue,’’ he said.

(NAN)