The Paralyzing Impact of Systemic Failures and a Culture of Impunity within Nigerians with Disabilities (JONAPWD): How Infighting and Supremacy Battles Among Nigerians with Disabilities Undermine Legislative Progress and Foster Insecurity in Nigeria

Cogent reasons why the Advocacy and Negotiations for the Implementations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, its National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), State Governments Disabilities Rights Laws and their Commission failed woefully.

Nigeria’s wake-up call for sincere, Disability& Women Inclusive Participatory, Collaborative, Realistic Peacebuilding, Economic Developments/SDGs, 2030 Agenda & other Positive Actions

By

The Pioneers of Nigeria’s National & International Disability Civil Rights Movement & Policy Changers

In Nigeria, the disability community and its leaders are entangled in unwarranted and unresolved internal conflicts, stemming from decades of unaddressed culture of impunity and systemic issues that have persisted across successive administrations. As underscored by Mr. David Young, the former acting United States Ambassador to Nigeria, during a fellowship with church leaders in Jos, Plateau State, on Sunday, August 19, 2018, there exists a troubling climate of impunity, where serious crimes often go unpunished, enabling perpetrators to escape accountability.

It is deeply concerning that this entrenched culture of impunity, which has deeply infiltrated the leadership of the disability community in Nigeria, is inadvertently supported by numerous Foreign Embassies in Nigeria, as well as National and International Donor Nations and Agencies. Consequently, it has caused irreparable harm across the entire nation, affecting all 36 States/FCT and 774 Local Governments, notably impacting over 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities, including the Almajiris. Moreover, it affects dedicated law enforcement FIRST RESPONDERS such as the Police, ICPC, EFCC, DSS, Nigerian Civil Defense, Military, and others, who courageously risk their lives, health, and safety in combating insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and community disputes amid Nigeria’s challenging and perilous environment.

This unchecked system not only diverts attention from advocating for the enforcement of disability rights and treaties but has also persisted from one successive government to another, and the mess is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs to know and we the Pioneers of Nigeria’s National and International Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers are open for collaboration to find lasting solutions that will properly repair the battered image of our country as far as disability is concern.

What’s particularly frustrating is the behavior of a few power-driven and overzealous individuals with disabilities who were nowhere to be found during the war, but today they have entrenched a bad system of impunity, that is tearing the disability community apart and causing disaffection, manipulation, and abuse after the war.

These dissidents didn’t participate during the war in the advocacy and negotiations for Nigeria to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Furthermore, they were not involved in its implementation, which led to the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).

Their conduct is counterproductive as they lack understanding of the issues they advocate for, thereby undermining the significant historical achievements and legacies of the APC-led government, commencing from President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to the current leadership of HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, concerning Nigeria’s National and International Disability Policy Changes benefiting 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities. This includes at-risk children, Almajiris, internally displaced persons who have endured traumas, experiencing one of its residual effects known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (a psychological or mental disability), as well as wounded Nigerian security officers, including military personnel, ICPC, DSS, police, and civil defense personnel.

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and its leadership across the 35 exceptions of Cross River State, who recently resolved theirs, continue to be ensnared in a web of leadership crises and internal irreconcilable disputes over supremacy, perpetuating decades of systemic issues and a culture of impunity. Even when one faction bears clear responsibility, the prevailing culture of impunity persists, with individuals placing themselves above the law, exhibiting power intoxication, and displaying traits of overzealousness, manipulation, corruption, fraudulence, and blatant mismanagement within JONAPWD, hindering progress and fostering discord. On February 14, 2014, the Editor of Qualitative Magazine, Comr. Christian Obiora Ogbo, lamented, “The Country Director, Christoffel Blind Mission (CBM), Bright Ekweremmadu, speaking in the First DRF/DRAF Grantees Convening in Nigeria on Tuesday, expressed his disappointment over the way Persons with disabilities are handling their issues. There is a saying that ‘he who wears the shoes knows where it pinches.’ Imagine a situation where persons with disabilities are divided, fighting among themselves, not ready to work as a team, and are very selfish in their interests.”He recalled that when he came to CBM, the first task before him was the leadership crisis in the Joint National Associations of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). He was told that it was a no-go area and that nobody should talk about it; it is like a cult.”

Since the registration of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on July 9^th, 2008, JONAPWD’s national leadership has failed to comply with the regulations outlined in the1990 Companies and Allied Matters Act (Now known as the Reenacted Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA, 2020) which replaces the CAMA 1990 Act), notably and knowingly neglecting and not allowing their Board of Trustees (BoT) to perform their fiduciary duties in conducting annual audits and filing annual returns, as the CAC section 607 mandated.

This flagrant disregard for accountability goes unchallenged, while substantial funds from donor agencies and the National Commission of Persons with Disabilities continue to flow into the association’s coffers without the knowledge nor approval of their Board of Trustees, especially her Chairperson, Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson. Those brave enough to question this opacity, even the Board of Trustee Chairperson who has the constitutional, legal, and CAC section 607 powers to do so are ostracized and labeled troublemakers, further entrenching the culture of continued impunity, corruption, fraudulent activities, gross mismanagement of funds, and breeding power-drunks and overzealous individuals whose stock in trade is to embark on unlawful and unnecessary retaliation, persecution, repression, sectionalism, and divide and rule scheme.

The most mind-boggling issue is that National and International donor agencies continue to approve funding to JONAPWD-Nigeria programs without realizing that they are emboldening them or indirectly granting them the power to continue with impunity, infighting, and displays of supremacy over persons living with disabilities. The cumulative effect of this unchecked systematic error is exacerbating Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity, terrorism, bandits, kidnapping, and toxic, stressful, traumatic, and deadly environment.  What an absurdity.

Moreover, several allegations have surfaced regarding the misappropriation of funds earmarked for amending the association’s outdated constitution. Despite promises to revise the 2008 constitution, no action has been taken, and the authorities have not been notified as required by law. These egregious violations of regulatory norms undermine the integrity of the disability advocacy movement and exacerbate existing divisions, contributing to the nation’s growing insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping, bandits, and toxic, stressful, traumatic, and deadly environment.

The legal legitimacy of JONAPWD’s governance structures has also come under scrutiny, with successive national congresses conducted using the wrong, 2011/2014 JONAPWD constitution. This disregard for legal protocols, as highlighted by a judge in Calabar High Court, casts a shadow over the association’s credibility and fosters internal discord among its chapters. The recent inconclusive 2022 national congress and the subsequent use of a purportedly fake lawyer during the swearing-in ceremony and also the illegal and unconstitutional 2024 supplementary elections which violated the CAC Section 600 and 2008 JONAPWD Constitution only serve to compound these concerns.

The arduous journey to enact the National Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, of 2018, reflects the historic lack of cohesion and trust within Nigeria’s disability community. Despite decades of advocacy and sacrifices by committed and dedicated individuals, who were the actual Pioneers of Nigeria’s national and international Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers, led by the Plateau State Disabilities Rights law/Commission, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, USA, JONAPWD BoT Chairperson, Anambra State/Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International Inc (ERPWDI) (aka Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Initiative (ERPWDI) and FESTAC-USA, Inc Houston, Texas USA, Anambra State Association of Greater Houston, Texas Area (ASA-USA) (aka ANASCO-Houston), Ngwu EziEgbo OJIANA Initiative & Cooperative Society, Traumatic Brain Injuries Association of Nigeria & Cooperative Society, Polio & Post Polio Syndrome Support Group & Cooperative Society, Good Shepherd Initiative, Inc USA and others, opportunistic actors who knowingly conspired to break both national and international laws of theft of Intellectual property have hijacked the narrative, sidelining those who have long championed the cause. This betrayal of trust undermines the efficacy of legislative efforts and hampers the realization of the United Nations, international, and community’s collective goals, set under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

What do we expect when those who broke both national and international laws of theft of Intellectual property and with continued bad system and culture of impunity were bent on taking over what they knew nothing about, engage in unwarranted infighting for Supremacy with the real Pioneers of Nigeria’s national and international Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers? Crying more than the bereaved. The answer is not far-fetched, it is the Complete failure of implementation of the UN CRPD, Nigerians with Disabilities Act, 2018, and all other State Governments Disabilities Rights Laws as is already happening in Nigeria today. It is worth knowing that “a good law is only as effective as its implementation, and failure to implement will render such a law ineffective” as clearly stated by Ms. Laolu Olawunmi, Program Manager, Delegation of the European Union(EU) to Nigeria/ECOWAS Regrettably, the apathy of key stakeholders, including the National Assembly’s past Ninth and present Tenth Assemblies of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Disability Matters, who knowingly shy away from performing their 1999 Nigerian Constitution’s mandatory fiduciary oversight duties and thereby perpetuates the status quo. Whether through collaboration or indifference, their inaction has enabled the erosion of the disability rights movement and perpetuates the cycle of impunity, power drunks and overzealousness, corruption, fraud, mismanagement of funds, irreconcilable disputes, divisions, and dysfunctionalism. By exhibiting this, such violator are terrorists

However, perhaps the most egregious manifestation of supremacy and abuse of authority with impunity lies within the leadership of the National Commission of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). Despite mounting reports of valid and verifiable shreds of evidence of Corruption, fraud, maladministration, and financial impropriety from the Auditor General and Accountant General of the Federation of Nigeria and the Ninth National Assembly’s House Committee on Disability Matters including ICPC, EFCC, DSS, NSA, Police, and Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under the Suspended Minister Dr. Betta Edu; accountability remains elusive.

It is saddening to point out that the failure to hold perpetrators accountable not only perpetuates injustice but strengthens their vigor for crime. This false superhuman being who has assumed an ortho-pus status and declared themselves untouchable in turn embarked on excluding others from opportunities such as training, meetings, conferences, programs, and other services. As a result, many are death, while some with progressive illnesses have got worst.  

Furthermore, not bringing these perpetrators to book, leads to unnecessary harassment, intimidation, repression, and persecution of members of Nigeria’s national and international Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers, along with their families, who are striving to preserve their historical legacies for the betterment of the country.

On April 23, 2024, in Abuja, FCT Nigeria, during his press conference, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, emphasized that the Commission’s mandate is about the system, the process, and national interests, stating, “It’s the system.”

Pioneers of Nigeria’s national and international Disabilities Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers are calling on the EFCC, ICPC, DSS, Inspector General of Police, National Security Adviser, and all other law enforcement agents to urgently join in stopping the ongoing, “Paralyzing Effects of Nigerians with Disabilities bad System and Culture of Impunity, Infighting, and Supremacy Displays on Legislations and Breeding Effect of Insecurity/Terrorism, et al in Nigeria.”

This situation undermines the security, well-being, health, and safety of the 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities and the entire Nigerians, including dedicated law enforcement first responders like the Police, ICPC, EFCC, DSS, Nigerian Civil Defense, Military, and others. These individuals put their families at risk and expose themselves to the possibility of suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or mental and physical disabilities in their commitment to helping Nigeria combat insecurity across all 36 States/FCT and 774 Local Government Areas.

This also creates a toxic, stressful, traumatic, and deadly environment, providing violent terrorist groups with opportunities to recruit from the neglected 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities. The neglect by the Federal and State Governments and their communities exacerbates Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, irreconcilable community disputes, economic failures, food insecurity, and the prevalent toxic environment in the country.

In conclusion, the internal strife within Nigeria’s disability community, exacerbated by power struggles and impunity, has deeply undermined the advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities. The failure of key stakeholders to address these issues has perpetuated a culture of corruption, fraud, and mismanagement within organizations like the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). This dysfunction not only erodes trust but also obstructs the effective implementation of crucial legislation, such as the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The lack of accountability and transparency within these organizations perpetuates injustice and excludes individuals from opportunities for growth and participation in society. Moreover, it poses significant risks to the security, well-being, and safety of millions of Nigerians with disabilities, as well as law enforcement first responders who courageously serve their communities amidst adversity.

Addressing these challenges requires sincere, inclusive, and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including government bodies, advocacy groups, and civil society organizations. The Honourable Minister of Defence, H E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, MNI emphasizes the high need for collaboration and cooperation in overcoming the modern hydra-headed complex conflicts in Nigeria. It is imperative to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, uphold the rule of law, and create an enabling environment for the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society. Only through collective action and a commitment to justice and equality can Nigeria overcome its challenges and build a more inclusive and secure future for all its citizens.

“All the above anomalies if not corrected within the Nigeria disability community, all the efforts at solving insecurity in Nigeria will remain a mirage  and the implementation of disability national and international laws will continue to be inhibited“

To conclude our presentation, we would like to thank the Cross Rivers State (CRS) Governor, His Excellency Bassey Edet Otu, The First Lady of Cross River State (CRS), Her Excellency Reverend Eyoanwan Otu, and also the Cross River State (CRS) Commissioner of Police, Mr. G.A Grimah, Hon. Dr. Betta Edu and Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the former and present Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. The New Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction- Dr. Yabuku Adam Kofarmata, and Hon. Hajiya Zaliha Sanusi Yusuf, the former At-Risk Children National Manager. Also, we heartedly appreciate  Miss Omotunde Ellen Thompson-the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities of Nigeria (JONAPWD-National) BoT Chairperson, Members and cluster Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) of the JONAPWD-CRS Chapter, and our indefatigable Chief Eric Ndubueze Ufom, President/CEO Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International Inc, (ERPWDI) (aka Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Initiative (ERPWDI), Houston, Texas USA and other members of our Pioneers of National & International Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers in Nigeria for being pacesetters and demonstrating professional ethics and values in proffering peace in the CRS of Nigeria’s Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities National (JONAPWD-CRS). Their gestures leave so much to desire as they show a national roadmap to follow to help curb the ongoing epidemic in our Nigerians with Disability Community, which directly caused insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping, bandits, irreconcilable community disputes, government, community and religious torture, and persecutions, the toxic, stressful, traumatic and deadly environment in Nigeria.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Job Napoleon Agbor, ACFE, B.Sc., M.Sc., MBA, Ph.D. Accounting in view: Babcock Business School, Babcock University  (aka Hurricane), Critical stakeholder/Members of APC (Etomi ward in Etung LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria)

Convener:                   

Pioneers of National & International Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers in Nigeria

Phone: +234 (705) 844-7521, Email: jobnsoragbor53@gmail.com