Gombe State House of Assembly Commended for Progress on Disability Protection Bill
Gombe State House of Assembly Commended for Progress on Disability Protection Bill
By Matthew Eloyi
In a significant step towards inclusivity, the Gombe State House of Assembly has been commended by the Advocacy for Disability Act (ADAC) Cluster and several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for its progress on the Gombe State Disability Protection Law and the establishment of the Gombe State Disability Commission.
The commendation follows the Assembly’s prioritization of the Bill, which underwent its first and second readings on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The ADAC Cluster, comprising five CSOs including the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), praised the Assembly’s commitment to democratic values and responsiveness to the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The ADAC Cluster, which includes El-New Hope Foundation (Abia State), Global Youth Empowerment and Vulnerable Initiative (Adamawa State), Lawanti Development Community Foundation (Gombe State), and Center for Peace Education and Community Development (Taraba State), is implementing the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project funded by USAID through Palladium.
In a press release signed by Grace Jerry, the ADAC Cluster Anchor and Executive Director of the IFA, the groups expressed appreciation for the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo and the Gombe State House of Assembly, highlighting the Assembly’s dedication, demonstrated by their action on the Bill on the eve of Democracy Day.
“The Gombe State House of Assembly has set a precedent for other assemblies with this legislative landmark. Their commitment reflects the promises made during the ADAC Legislative Retreat in December 2023, where Hon. Shuaibu Adamu and other key legislators expressed support for the Bill,” the release stated.
According to the press statement, Hon. Shuaibu Adamu, representing Kwami East Constituency, privately sponsored the Bill, with co-sponsorship from Hon. Musa Buba (Balanga North), Hon. Nasiru Abdulkareem (Dukku North), and Hon. Adamu Sale Pata (Yalmatu East). The ADAC Cluster calls on the House Committee on Women Affairs and Special Duties to expedite their review process within the mandated six-week period.
It noted that the legislative progress aligns with the commitments of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who has consistently advocated for the empowerment and welfare of the PWD community. “We remain resolute in our commitment to providing necessary support for the empowerment and dreams of our PWDs,” the Governor was quoted.
The ADAC Cluster remains optimistic that Gombe State will soon join the league of inclusive states in Nigeria, urging for a swift conclusion of the legislative process and speedy assent to the Bill.
