News

Reps Invite KFC Over Alleged Discriminatory Treatment Of Person With Disability

Published

12 months ago

April 2, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has invited fast food restaurant operators, Kentucky Fried Chicken also known as KFC over alleged ill treatment of Mr Adebola Daniel, a Person With Disability PWD and son of former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel.

Chairman House Committee on Disabilities, Rep. Bashiru Ayinla disclosed this on Tuesday, at a press conference with journalists at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Rep. Ayinla, who represents Oshodi/Isolo-1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State, said the committee will ensure that those found to have breached the Disability Act are punished in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that Mr. Adebola, who was on a wheelchair was said to have been denied access to KFC outlet within the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos last week by the manager quoted as saying, “No wheelchair allowed.”

Speaking on the development, the lawmaker said, “We have invited KFC and there will be an investigation which will be based on House rules.”

He said: “The discriminatory incident, highlighted by Mr Daniel’s public account, sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.

“Mr Daniel, a wheelchair user, faced humiliation when he was refused entry to the KFC outlet, with the manager stating, ‘No wheelchair allowed.’ This treatment is unacceptable and goes against the principles of inclusivity and respect and it is a violation against Disability Act.”

According to Ayinla, the son of the ex-governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel, recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel, saying, “Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria.”

Rep. Ayinla stated that the denial of persons with disabilities access to public spaces is not only disrespectful “But also undermines ongoing efforts to implement the Disability Act.”

“The case of Mr Adebola Daniel is one in millions of other unreported cases of such abuses and injustices against people with disabilities. This will no longer be tolerated by the governments at all levels. Any establishments within the shore of our country irrespective of owners’ status should take note. Enough is enough!

“The Discrimination against People with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018, passed by the National Assembly, aims to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities.

“However, compliance with this Act has been lacking since the grace period ended in January”, he added.

Rep. Ayinla pledged the committee’s readiness to engage with communities to kick start the full implementation of the Disability Act.

“Key provisions such as access to public buildings, employment quotas, and welfare promotion for persons with disabilities must be enforced to ensure their rights are upheld”, he added.

He further called on State governments to domesticate the Disability Act, following the lead of Lagos State, noting that a sustained awareness of the public would go a long way in protecting the rights of persons living with one form of disability or the other.

Fielding questions from journalists on the sideline of the briefing, Ayinla rejected the notion that the Committee is speaking up solely because the son of a highly-placed citizen is involved.

However he noted: ‘If it takes Daniel’s son to make our members get access to public places and make the work of our committee known, so be it.”

News

Reps in shouting match as house set to debate emergency rule in Rivers

Published

2 minutes ago

March 19, 2025

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

Members of the house of representatives are locked in a heated exchange as the green chamber prepares to debate the emergency rule in Rivers state.

The shouting match began as the legislators entered the chamber — way before the commencement of plenary.

More to follow…

News

Reps to Debate President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers At Wednesday Plenary

Published

38 minutes ago

March 19, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives is set to deliberate on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This follows constitutional provisions that require the National Assembly to consider such a proclamation within two days if in session or within ten days if not.

A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Patrick Umoh, in an interview on the News @10 on Nigeira Television Authority (NTA) explained that Wednesday plenary session will focus on the validity of the declaration and whether it aligns with the constitutional provisions.

Umoh emphasised that the president’s decision was made in response to threats to order and peace, as permitted under the Constitution.

“The President has done so, and there are reasons why this has been done, which are now public knowledge. It is the obligation of Parliament to consider the validity or otherwise of such a proclamation and then take our decision,” Umoh stated.

He also clarified that the House has the power to extend the state of emergency beyond six months if necessary, in line with Section 305 of the Constitution.

According to the lawmaker, he debate, will be conducted in collaboration with the Senate, given Nigeria’s bicameral legislative structure.

Addressing concerns that the state of emergency might lead to militarization and suspension of democratic structures in Rivers, Umoh disagreed with such views, insisting that the president’s decision aligns with democratic principles.

“I can’t concede to the argument of militarization. The decision to declare a state of emergency is in compliance with the Constitution. It is the discretion of Mr. President to appoint who administers the state where the declaration has been made,” he said.

On the possibility that the National Assembly might reject the declaration, Umoh noted that such a decision would mean the emergency rule cannot stand, as the Constitution requires legislative approval.

“If today the decision of Parliament does not go in sync with the declaration of the president, then the decision of emergency cannot stand. That’s the provision of the Constitution,” he stressed.

With the House expected to debate and take a resolution today, all eyes are on the National Assembly to determine the next steps in Rivers State.

News

Army notifies A’Ibom residents ahead of shooting practice exercises

Published

6 hours ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army in the Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has announced plans to hold this year’s first quarter range classification exercise.

The exercise will begin today, March 19 and last till March 28, 2025, according to a statement by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt Adebowale Adejimi.

Adejimi appealed to residents within the range area to stay off designated areas and not to panic at the sound of gunshots, adding that adequate preparations had been made for their safety.

“The headquarters 2 Brigade, 2 Brigade Garrison, and other Sub-units are scheduled to hold the First Quarter Range Classification Exercise for the year 2025 at 6 Bn Range Area in Abak LGA, from 19 – 28 Mar 2025.

“Consequently, the good people of Abak LGA are pleased requested to stay off the designated exercise area. They are also requested not to panic at the sound of gunshots.

“They are also to note that adequate measures have been emplaced for safety and security at the range area and environs.

“You are please requested to disseminate this to the general public for their awareness and safety. Thank you for your usual cooperatiom,” the statement added.

It urged residents not to panic at the sight of moving troops and gunshots.