By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
A legal luminary and others have noted that lack of implementation of laws on disability is the greatest challenges affecting women, children and persons with disability.
They asserted that lack of implementation is as a result of inadequate enforcement.
A legal guru, Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN), who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Osun state University (UNIOSUN), made this known at the Legislative Stewardship and Good Governance programme organised by Osun Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
At the programme which narrowed on the Appraisal of Women, Children and Persons with Disability related friendly bills and laws in Osun, Mallam Ali maintained that it is clear that in this state and country at large, “we have not done enough advocacy for women, children, persons with disability and other vulnerable till date.”
Citing the persons with disability (PWD) as example, he pointed out that lack of ramp provision for access to public places for the PWD is worrisome, saying that the PWD need more than the law being agitated for.
Using different climes as illustration, he said there are countries with more crime rate than Nigeria, but what makes them not profiled like Nigeria is because their law is effective to deal with anyone and any issues that acts contrary.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who emphasised that the gatekeepers need more orientation to handle sensitive issues relating to women, children and persons with disability.
He urged stakeholders to make the law work for the people, stating that implementation of laws makes crime less attractive.
He said that his institution has handbook with rules and regulations guiding all. The UNIOSUN Council Chairman charged the female university students present to face their studies, take precautions, know their rights and use it effectively while also avoiding harassment to themselves and of their lecturers.
In his address, the Speaker Osun state House of Assembly, Hon Timothy Owoeye said the stste House of Assembly has done what is practically necessary, legislative wise. He stressed that the bills passed are tailored alongside National Assembly stipulation.
He opined that the federal government has to the assented law on persons with disability, and what remains is for domestication by states, adding that Osun state is not left out in accepting and assenting to the laws in favour of the targeted beneficiaries.
Speaker Owoeye, who was represented by Hon Kunle Akande representing Osogbo constituency, said that the law makers have a duty to pass the law but not to implement the law.
He pointed out that what is left for the other organs of the government to perform their role.
“Osun Assembly is persons with disability friendly with provision of ramp and appointment of a person with disability as Senior Special Assistant to the Speaker on Disability Matters,” he stated.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olaleye Faleye reiterated that the police have been working before the creation of relevant laws to protect the women, children and persons with disability, among others.
He opined that the law is above all and is there to work with, that it is accessible to youths and everyone via their mobile phones, saying “information is power, and you need to know about the law which is handy in your android phone via Google search”.
CP Faleye, who was represented by CSP Folasade Odoro, urged the participants, which included university students, not to be afraid of the police. He counseled them to be forthright with issues, take immediate action, don’t be afraid of anyone and report your cases in time. The constitution stipulates that everyone, including a person with disability, has rights to every aspect of life, he said.
Other speakers were the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Barr. Mrs Morufat Bello, the Coordinating Director Min of Women And Children Affairs, Mr Jide Falade, Osun Joint Association of Persons with Disability Chairman, Mr Oluwafemi Stephen, Chairperson Nigeria League of Women Voters Chief Mrs Grace Omotoso, Chairperson National Council of Women Society, Mrs Ayoola Rebecca, and Federation of Women Lawyers state Vice Chairperson, Chief Mrs Akintajuwa, applauded the initiative of Osun Chapter NAWOJ for being a voice for the voiceless in the society.
They all maintained that stakeholders must come together to fight for the rights of the targeted beneficiaries, adding that this will make the law implementation easy, while pointing out that continuous sensitisation for the purpose of victims ignorant of the law and of their rights is uppermost.
They said the Child Right Acts, and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law in Osun need amendment, adding that the forthcoming Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Law will go a long way in improving the lives of the targets.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Osun NAWOJ Chairperson, Mrs Motunrayo Ayegbayo said the Legislative Stewardship and Good Governance programme was informed so as to know, access and monitor the level of impact of the legislative bills/laws made for persona with disability.
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