ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria has set a historic precedent as Mr. Umo Eno, Governor-elect of Akwa Ibom State, becomes the first governor with Albinism not only in Nigeria but the entire African continent.
The announcement was made by Mr. Jake Epelle, chairman of The All Rights Foundation (TAF Africa), formerly known as the Albino Foundation.
Epelle praised the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for its inclusiveness policy, which allowed Persons Living with Disabilities, PWDs, to contest elections, during a courtesy visit to the party’s Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, May 5, 2023.
He called on the President-elect Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to follow the PDP’s example by appointing PWDs into their cabinet.
“We are grateful to the PDP for setting a standard of inclusiveness and providing a platform for PWDs to participate in the political process,” Epelle said. “We urge the APC and the President-elect to emulate this progressive approach for the betterment of our nation.”
The Foundation’s Chairman also acknowledged another PWD, Alhaji Isah Liman Kantigi, who ran as the PDP’s governorship candidate in Niger State during the March 18 election.
Epelle expressed regret that TAF Africa was unaware of Kantigi’s candidacy, as they could have facilitated international recognition for him, similar to the support extended to Governor-elect Eno.
TAF Africa commended the PDP for its commitment to inclusiveness, particularly for women and PWDs, and urged other political parties to adopt similar policies.
Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Damagum, reaffirmed the party’s dedication to providing opportunities for PWDs, stating, “As a deliberate policy, the party gives opportunity to PWDs in all its activities, and we are ready to do even more.”
The PDP also called on President-elect Tinubu to address Nigerians personally and publicly about numerous allegations of corruption, including the Alpha Beta cases and the alleged improper acquisition and conversion of Lagos State Government landed properties worth billions of naira to himself, family, associates, and cronies.
