The Gombe State House of Assembly has passed a landmark bill to establish a disability commission aimed at protecting the rights of people with disabilities (PWDs) and ensuring their full participation and equal opportunities within the state.
The bill, sponsored by lawmaker Shuaibu Haruna, received overwhelming support following a report presented by the House Committee on Women Affairs, Social Development, Special Duties, and Inter-Governmental Affairs during the assembly’s Committee of the Whole.
Gabriel Galadima Fushison, chairman of the committee and representative for Kaltungo West, highlighted the thorough scrutiny the bill underwent to align with the needs of Gombe’s residents. This private member’s bill was refined through an inclusive public hearing, gathering insights from key stakeholders including the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner of Police, civil society organizations, and professional associations such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
The stakeholders’ contributions led to the amendment of 23 sections, enhancing the bill’s provisions to ensure it effectively serves the community.
Expressing his vision for an inclusive society, Shuaibu Haruna emphasized the importance of equal rights and opportunities for PWDs, including their right to participate in governance and electoral processes.
The passage of this bill reflects Gombe State’s commitment to fostering progressive and inclusive governance for all citizens.
