By Damilola Origbemisuyi, Akure
Non Governmental Organization (NGO) under the auspice of The Inclusive Friend Association (IFA) has urged security agencies deployed to monitor the Ondo State November 16 governorship election to prioritise the safety of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The Executive Director of IFA, Mrs Grace Jerry, made the call at the pre-election conference which was held in Akure, the state capital.
Jerry, who was represented by the NGO’s Director of Programme, Mr Molly Joshua, also urged security agents to shield PWDs from intimidation and any form of violence.
She said that priority attention should be given to PWDs at polling units, asking for collaboration with organisations of PWDs to provide training to security personnel on professional engagement with PWDs.
The executive director also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt inclusive policies that would encourage PWDs to participate in the electoral process without discrimination.
Jerry, who urged INEC officials and party agents to respect priority voting for PWDs also called on the media to report on how PWDs fared during the election.
She also stressed the need for INEC to provide sign language interpreters in broadcast during results collation.
According to her, it is evident that persons with disabilities are determined to participate in the electoral and political process of the country if there is enabling environment.
The NGO had earlier visited the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, to solicit for seamless voting for PWDs.