By Nicholas Kalu, Abuja
The Bill to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for inclusion and protection of young persons and persons with disabilities (PWDs) passed the second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The bill defines young persons to mean Nigerians between the ages of 15 to 35 years.
The bill, among other amendments, seeks to make it mandatory for young persons and PWD to be included in appointments in government at various levels.
An amendment in Section 147, subsection 3 reads, “any appointment under Sub-section (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of subsection 14(3) of this constitution. Provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State and shall include young persons and persons with disabilities.”
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The bill, sponsored by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, generated some debate on the floor, with the main opposition to it coming from Uzoma Abonta.
Abonta argued that the consideration for young persons and persons with disabilities should be a policy matter and not a constitutional one.
According to him making it a constitutional matter would be overkill.
The Speaker argued against this saying policies come and go depending on government but amending the constitution to accommodate the interests of young persons and persons with disabilities would provide a permanent solution.
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