Northern Nigeria Disable Forum Distances Self From Planned Protest

Hours before the Planned nationwide protest against economic hardship and pervasive hunger, religious organisations, ethnic groups, and other stakeholders across the country have passionately appealed to the organisers to shelve the protest and engage in dialogue.

The National Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Disable Forum (NDDF), Malam Yarima Suleiman Ibrahim, disclosed this in a press conference and said that although Nigerians faced complex challenges, the protest might not be the panacea.

According to him, the forum has distanced itself from the planned nationwide protest, saying its members will not participate in any activities that may threaten Nigeria’s peace and stability.

“We recognise and deeply empathise with the pain, anger, and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing, but people living with disabilities will be the victims of the protest because we cannot escape if anything happens.”

He called on the government to provide free education and automatic employment slots to people with disabilities in the country.

He also urged the government across the board to work on improving the well-being of people living with disabilities, saying no one should be left behind when the mind is liberated through good education.

He said, ‘We call on the government to grant employment waivers to employable PWDs, roll out empowerment packages, and provide free education and healthcare services to PWDs and their families.