The Gombe State House of Assembly has on Tuesday passed the bill to establish the Gombe State Disability Commission.
The move is considered a landmark development aimed at protecting the rights of people with disabilities and ensuring their full participation and equal opportunities in society.
Its passage follows the adoption of a report from the House Committee on Women Affairs, Social Development, Special Duties, and Inter-Governmental Affairs, which was presented at the House’s committee of the whole.
The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Gabriel Galadima Fushison, representing Kaltungo West, explained that the bill—sponsored by Mr. Shuaibu Adamu Haruna of Kwami East, was a private member’s initiative that underwent comprehensive scrutiny to align with the needs of Gombe State’s constituents.
The committee swang into action immediately after receiving the bill, by organizing a public hearing, gathering input from key stakeholders, including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner of Police, civil society organizations, and professional bodies such as the NBA, FIDA, NUJ, ASUU, ALGON, and others.
Their contributions were instrumental in refining the bill, with 23 sections amended to improve its provisions.
The sponsor of the bill, Mr. Shuaibu Adamu Haruna, expressed his vision for an inclusive society where all citizens, including people with disabilities, could actively participate in governance and have access to equal opportunities, including the right to vote and run for elective positions.
In addition to this bill, the House has received four executive bills from Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, which include the Gombe State Electricity Bill 2024, the Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission Bill 2024, the Gombe State Revenue Tribunal Bill 2024, and the Gombe State Mortgages and Foreclosure Bill 2024. These bills are aimed at advancing infrastructure and regulatory frameworks in the state.
It also reviewed the 2023 audit report of local government finances, submitted by the Auditor General for Local Government, which covers the financial activities of all eleven local government areas within Gombe State.
The passage of the Disability Commission bill and the consideration of new legislation underscore the Gombe State Assembly’s commitment to progressive governance and inclusive development.
