The Inclusive Friend Association ( IFA), a non governmental organization ( NGO), has urged the security agent s deployed to monitor the Saturday’s governorship election to prioritize safety of persons with disabilities ( PWDs).
The Executive Director of IFA, Mrs Grace Jerry, stated this on Wednesday at the pre-election conference in Akure.
Jerry, who was represented by the Mr Molly Joshua, the Director of Programme, asked security agents to shield persons with disabilities from intimidation and any form of violence.
She said that there should be priority treatment for PWDs at the polling units, asking for collaboration with organizations of persons with disabilities to provide training for security personnel on professional engagement with PWDs.
The executive director asked the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to adopt inclusive policies that foster persons with disabilities participation without discrimination.
Jerry asked INEC officials and party agents to respect priority voting for persons with disabilities.
She asked media practitioners to report prominently on PWDs participation during the election.
Jerry added that there should be sign language interpreters in broadcast during result collation.
Jerry said that the NGO with support of National Endowment with Democracy (NED) sought the electoral body to address stigma and stereotypes that undermined the participation of PWD in election.
According to her, it is evident that persons with disabilities are determined to participate in the electoral and political process of the country if there is enabling environment.
She encouraged PWDs to ask for election assistive material and vote in large numbers, furthering initiatives that would uplift the community.
Jerry asked PWDs to maintain peace and abstain from vote buying or selling as such act was punishable.
The NGO had earlier visited the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola asking for seamless voting for PWDs.
The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN)!reports that IFA is dedicated to advocating for an inclusive, accessible, free, fair, and credible election with PWDs full participation.