BY SEGUN ADEBAYO, ABUJA – The Youth Constituency in the country might soon experience a boost as a bill for an Act to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the inclusion of Young Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Appointments in Nigeria, passed first reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill sponsored by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila which scaled first reading at the plenary on Wednesday, 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.
Part of the bill reads; “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 passed into law, it will give an opportunity for leaders to demonstrate commitment to political empowerment and inclusion of young people and persons with disabilities.
This is based on the understanding that the issue of appointment is at the discretion of political leaders and decision makers such as the President, Governors among others.
