Reps To Adopt Stiffer Penalties For Violators Of Disabilities Act

The House of Representatives has vowed to ensure more Stiffer Penalties for Violators of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act in the proposed amendment of the Act.

The House Majority leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere stated this in Abuja, at the commencement of investigative hearing on compliance of MDAs on the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.

The House Majority leader, who frowned at the five percent implementation of the act, said the National Assembly would amend the act to give one year imprisonment to any individuals who failed to comply with the Act.

According to Professor Ihonvbere, the leadership of the National Assembly would give the needed support to ensure total compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.

He pointed out that non-compliance with the Act would cause setback to the Socio-economic development of the country.

Earlier, the Chairman House Committee on Disability Matters, Dr. Bashiru Dawodu, who explained that People with Special needs are integral part of every society, called on stakeholders to ensure that their rights are protected.

The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Ayuba Gufwan, requested for the allocation of two percent of the National Revenue to address the plight of people with Special needs.

Dr. Gufwan, called for active involvement of Local Government Areas in the Collection of data for People Living with Disabilities.

He also noted that Government MDAs are yet to put in place robust awareness programs to enlighten the Public on compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji