The Kano State House of Assembly complex was on Wednesday besieged by beggars and disabled persons in their hundreds as they protested the proposed ban on street begging and related activities in the state by the legislature.
The beggars, who staged the peaceful protest under the aegis of the Joint National Association of Disabled Persons (JONADP), comprised of male and female, blind, deaf and polio victims and amputees among others.
It was gathered that the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) were on hand to ensure the protest was not hijacked by hoodlums.
In their petition, the disabled persons sought the introduction of a social security allowance for persons with disabilities in the state, similar to what is obtainable in several states in the North. They also asked for the immediate end to further confiscation of their rehabilitation centres in Mariri.
The petition, which was signed by the secretary of JONADP, Alhaji Kabiru Ado, further asked for the establishment of a disabled commission in the state, adding that the proposed commission should be manned by physically challenged persons.
The bill on the ban on street begging and related activities, they stated, should take note of the United Nations Bill of Rights, such as their right to live, equality, access to justice and freedom from torture, punishment and degrading treatment.
The petition was copied to the governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Chief Judge of the state, the Commissioner of Police and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
The protesters, who were barred from gaining entry into the Assembly Complex, were however, received at the gate by the Clerk of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Lawal Badamasi
He stated: “As you can see, I am not the speaker, neither am I a member of the House but they have assigned me to listen to your complaints and forward them to the House, as they are on a project monitoring tour. I also appeal to you to be respectful and law abiding.
“I will present this paper to the Assembly, as I am instructed to do. And I am sure you will hear a good feedback”.
