Buhari announces appointments in disabilities commission

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the composition of the governing council and appointment of Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, in a statement yesterday, said the appointment was in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019.

Buhari named Dr Hussaini Suleiman Kangiwa (Northwest) as chairman of the governing council of the NCPD; and James David Lalu (North-central), Executive Secretary.

Members of the governing board are Oparaku Onyejelam Jaja (Southeast), Philomena Isioma Konwea (Southsouth), Omopariola Busuyi Oluwasola (Southwest), Amina Rahma Audu (Northwest), Mrs Esther Andrew Awu (North-Central), and Abba Audu Ibrahim (Northeast).

According to the Act establishing the NCPD, the commission shall be headed by a part-time chairman and six members who shall be persons with disabilities representing the geo-political zones of the federation subject to confirmation of the Senate for a four-year term of office in the first instance, and may be reappointed for a second term of four years and no more.

The Executive Secretary, who shall be responsible to the council for the implementation of the policies and administration of the daily affairs of the commission, shall also be a person with disability with a five-year tenure in the first instance, and may be reappointed for a second term and no more.