By John Ovie, YENAGOA
A social and rights activist, Alabo Nengi James has advocated a reserved seat for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Known for rights activism in the Niger Delta region, James is of the view that physically impaired persons have not been given a voice in the society, pointing out that reserving a seat for them in the state legislature will be of great advantage for one of them to advocate for their collective needs.
Speaking during a live radio programme in Yenagoa, James argued that absence of direct representation has greatly deprived the PWDs of political participation which is their inalienable right.
According to him, there should be a special constituency in the State assembly representing persons with disabilities where issues affecting their welfare and education would be advocated for.
“While we commend the State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri for his support for persons with disabilities as well as the infrastructural works going on in the State, we are also appealing to the governor to assent to the Persons Living With Disabilities Bill.
“At the State and national levels, they should have contact persons. Nothing stops them from becoming councillors and chairmen of local government areas and other political positions,” he advocated.
