By Ayo Ibrahim
A bill for an Act to amend the constitution to provide for the inclusion of Young Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Appointments in Nigeria, has passed first reading in the House of Representatives.
Indeed, the Youth Constituency might be experiencing another boost as the bill sponsored by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila scaled first reading at the plenary on Wednesday.
Specifically, the Bill proposes that Young Persons and people with Disabilities should be included in the appointment as Ministers, Commissioners, Heads & Members of Statutory government Agencies and Boards.
The objective of the proposed Bill is to amend sections 147, 151, 192 and 196 of the Constitution to give room for the inclusion of young persons and persons with Disabilities in making appointments as Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers and by extension, Chairman and Members of Statutory bodies, boards and Agencies.
“To bring the issue on Disability to the concurrent list so that states can also provide for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities effectively”.
When pass into law the it will give an opportunity for Leaders to demonstrate their genuine commitment to political empowerment and inclusion of young people and persons with Disabilities.
This is on the premise that the issue of appointment is at the discretion of political leaders and decision makers such as the President, Governors among others.
