By Ngozi Nwankwo
At the Fourth Quarter meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council,NIRC, held recently in Abuja, the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, Mr. James David Lalu has announced that PWDs will elect quality leaders who would unite Nigeria across religious lines.
Lalu said the Commission’s synergy with the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council is very key especially at this crucial period that the nation is gearing towards the 2023 general elections.
“We in the community of PWDs are ready to demonstrate our willingness to change the narrative to meeting the aspirations of Persons With Disabilities in various endeavours.
“May I also reiterate that the 35. 5 million PWDs spread across the country are seeking that platform for sincere social inclusion through political offices come 2023,” he said.
The ES also implored religious leaders to make the worship centers accessible for Persons With Disabilities.
Earlier in his address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Gida Mustapha underpinned the critical role that religion plays in our polity.
He stated that many politicians in the past have played on the psyche of Nigerians to support their candidates based on religious affiliations.
“The time has come for Nigerians to apply the all- people Inclusive approach regardless of the religious background” said Mustapha.
He further urged the religious leaders to be apolitical “even as we approach another major milestone of our political trajectory”
Speaking also, the Executive Secretary, NIREC, Rev. Father Cornelius Omonokhua assured the meeting of the organization’s position on the 2023 elections.
“We will continue to work for the unity of Nigerians from both the Christian fold and the Islamic society for a better understanding and peaceful coexistence” he said.
His Eminence, Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto gave a charge to all Nigerians to begin to look inwards and develop strategies to solving home grown issues. He said Nigerians should stop imitating the western world as they have their peculiar challenges as well.
