PWDs bill passes second reading at A’Ibom Assembly

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

A Bill for a Law to Prevent Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities has passed through the second reading at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

The bill, sponsored by Mr Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot, a member representing Etinan State Constituency also sought to provide for full integration of persons with disabilities into the society, among others.

Ekpo-Ufot, who led the debate on the bill at plenary on Thursday said, under the proposed law, a person with disability shall not be discriminated against, on grounds of his disability by any person or institution in any manner or circumstance.

He added that the bill will also establish the State Commission for persons with disabilities and further empower the Commission to cater for the education, healthcare, social, economic and civil rights of persons with disabilities.

“A person who discriminates against persons with disabilities commits an offence and is liable on conviction to; if the person is a corporate body, a fine of N1,000,000; and an individual, a fine of N100,000 or six months imprisonment or both,” he said.

The lawmaker added that when passed into law, the bill will ensure that a person with a disability has the right to access physical environment and buildings on an equal basis with others.

He said, “A public building shall be constructed with the necessary accessibility aids such as lifts (where necessary), ramps and any other facility that shall make them accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.”

According to him, the bill will also boost the accessibility of persons with disabilities to facilities on roads, airports, seaports, and railways without discrimination.

He added that the bill when passed into law, will not allow anyone to employ, use or involve a person with a disability in begging; or parade persons with disabilities in public to solicit for alms.

He said that a person with a disability has the right to work on an equal basis with others and this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by working freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open.

He said that a person who contravenes commits an offence and is liable on conviction to nominal damages of a minimum of N250,000 payable to the affected person with a disability.

“Government shall ensure that the education of persons with disabilities, particularly children, who are blind, deaf or with multiple disabilities, is delivered in the most appropriate language, mode and means of communication for the individual,” he said.

The bill which received the unanimous support of lawmakers was referred to the House Committee on Health by the Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong for further legislative actions.

Similarly, a Bill to Provide for the Preservation and Promotion of the Use of Akwa Ibom Local Dialects in Akwa Ibom State and connected purposes was read for the first time at plenary.

The speaker also referred the bill to the House Committee on Rules, Business for rescheduling.

Meanwhile, the House has adjourned plenary to reconvene on March 28.