By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a stride towards inclusive governance, the appointment of Hauwa Saidu, a Deaf Lady, as the Supervisory Councilor for Administration and Finance in Dukku Local Government Area, Gombe state, Nigeria, has garnered commendation from Engr. Bima Abdullahi, a prominent figure in the Deaf community.
Expressing his excitement in a recent conversation with Kosofe Post’s principal Correspondent, Bima Abdullahi hailed the appointment as a significant step towards embracing diversity in governance. He emphasized the importance of such appointments in fostering inclusive policies and practices, particularly in regions where special laws for the disabled community are yet to be passed.
Abdullahi’s sentiment extends beyond mere congratulatory words; he issued a special appeal to the authorities of Lagos State, urging the consideration of people living with disabilities in political appointments and governance structures. Recounting an unfortunate incident where a physically challenged individual faced discrimination in a Lagos local council, he stressed the need for genuine representation and support for the disabled community.
“Let them consider special people as human neighbors like them,” Abdullahi implored, highlighting the disconnect between campaign promises and post-election actions regarding disability inclusion. He emphasized his support for the APC in Agboyi Ketu LCDA and called for the appointment of individuals from the Deaf community to positions of influence within the party and government structures.
Reflecting on past experiences, Abdullahi underscored the dedication of the Deaf community during political campaigns, urging political parties to reciprocate this support through meaningful representation. He lamented instances where promises made during election campaigns were forgotten once power was attained, stressing the need for genuine inclusion and representation.