A civil society organisation, The Electoral Hub, has decried the alienation of Persons Living with Disabilities from the 19 Resident Electoral Commissioners recently nominated by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).
The group also said it was dismayed at the poor representation of women in the nomination.
In a statement on Monday by its Director, Princess Hamman-Obels, the group said the President failed to use the opportunity to right the poor gender representation in his regime.
The statement partly read, “Out of these new nominees, it is unfortunate to note that only 15.8% are women, and there is no PWD representation. 15.8% is an extremely poor representation.
“This trend is also replicated at the national level with only two women National Commissioners (15.4%) out of 13 members Commission and no PWD.
“The National Gender Policy provides for at least 35% representation for women. The Abuja Federal High Judgement of April 6, 2022, also affirms this provision. This action and the dismal figure are discriminatory against women and a violation of sections 14(3), 42, and 147 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Articles 2, 13, and 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and Articles II and IX of the Maputo Protocol.
“The poor state of inclusion at the Commission is deplorable. As the primary electoral management body responsible for presidential, governorship, and legislative elections across the country, the Independent National electoral Commission has the power to promote gender inclusion in the electoral process.”
She, however, urged the president to comply with the Constitution, National Gender Policy, and the PWD Act and ensure that subsequent appointments in all facets of governance in Nigeria abided by the principles of inclusivity, equity, fairness, and justice.
