Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC) said it has initiated processes for legal actions against the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state for alleged discrimination and violation of rights of persons with disabilities.
The commission also hinted that it has concluded plans to seek legal redress against three citizens for their individual actions ranging from rape, attempted assault and infliction of bodily harm on persons with disabilities in the state.
The commission said the decision to launch the action followed FRSC refusal to grant driving license to one Mr Victor Onwudiegwu, a member of the deaf community in the state.
Victor, a civil servant from Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, had reported an incident of discrimination that occurred at the Aguata Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office where he applied for a driver’s license but was allegedly denied due to his hearing impairment and on the ground that deaf individuals are ineligible for driver’s licenses.
Another was a chilling attack on Nwokedi Philip, a person living with Albinism by a supposed friend who was motivated by harmful superstitions surrounding albinism. He had attempted to stab the albino in the middle of the night, with intentions to harvest his organs for rituals and financial gain.
Mrs Ifeoma Ejidike, a physically challenged, was reportedly disfigured by her husband’s brother, while Ms Ozioma, surname withheld, a hearing impaired school girl, was raped at Enugwukwu in Njikoka LGA.
Briefing journalists in Awka, the State capital on Thursday, Chairman, Anambra Disability Rights Commission, Barr Chuks Ezewuzie, said the legal actions are in line with the plans to actualise the legal department of the commission.
According to him, “We want to actualise the legal representation of persons with disabilities in Anambra State as powered by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC). RoLAC has helped in operationalising the legal department of the Disability Rights Commision and even trained lawyers to handle cases on Pro bono basis for persons with disabilities.
“So if the rights of PWDs are infringed upon, they are now empowered to go to court and seek redress – the lawyers will represent them even where they are charged.
“Our partnership and collaboration with the State Ministry of Justice and others will provide no excuse not to seek redress in court in accordance with sections 20 and 23 of Anambra State Disability Rights law.”
Ezewuzie said the commission is now ready to defend victims of different legal impediments, assuring that the assembled lawyers will ensure that Justice is no more denied.
On the Commission’s plans for the December 3rd International day of persons with disabilities, the DRC boss disclosed that the weeklong event would feature activities such as tour of special education centres, commission’s family day, public awareness, seminars, among others.
Shedrack Nwekeagu, RoLAC representative, encouraged the commission to intensify the fight for rights of PWDS, adding that the initiative was solely to ensure access to justice through them.
