Association Challenges Persons With Disabilities To Contest Edo LG Polls

The Edo State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities has called on interested members to contest elective positions at the April 19 council elections in the state.
Speaking with newsmen yesterday in Benin, the Chairperson, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Edo State chapter, Ms Ann Ojugo noted that PWDs were a minority of elected representatives as she explained that factors such as discrimination and financial constraints had continued to limit the representation of PWDs in elective positions.
She urged PWDs in the various political parties in the state not to be mere party members, but to vie for leadership positions at the forthcoming council polls.
“Do not shy away from leadership positions when you have the capacity and ability to contribute to the development of your local government council.
“Don’t allow discrimination by members of the society to limit your abilities. You can vie for councillorship, vice chairmanship and chairmanship positions,’’ she admonished.
Ojugo also called on party leaders to buy nomination forms for PWDs interested in contesting at the council polls to allow for fair representation.
“Some PWDs are willing to contest elective positions, but are financially constrained.
“We are appealing to the leadership of political parties to help any PWD ready to contest for elective positions to buy nomination forms.
“The association is also calling on well-meaning Nigerians to sponsor political campaigns of PWDs at the forthcoming 2023 general elections,’’ Ojugo said.