Kenyan Senator Crystal Asige has called on Nigeria to amend its constitution to ensure parliamentary representation for people with disabilities (PWDs), arguing that only those who experience such challenges firsthand can effectively advocate for their rights.
Speaking ahead of Haske Satumari Foundation Annual Colloquium 2025 taking place this Saturday, Asige emphasised the importance of inclusive governance.
The event, is scheduled to be held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the Senator honoured philanthropist Kudla Satumari Haske for his contributions to social development.
With the theme, “Promoting Social Change and Development through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice”, the colloquium would be chaired by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, with Asige delivering the keynote address.
Other notable speakers included Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, BudgIT CEO Oluseun Onigbinde, and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who would served as the chief host.
Asige, who holds one of Kenya’s designated Senate seats for PWDs, argued that representation in legislative bodies is crucial for meaningful advocacy.
“In the past, we have had non-disabled parliamentarians speaking on our issues, trying to legislate for us, but they are not persons with disabilities,” she said.
“I could not stand here and say I am going to solve the problems of men in Africa—I am not a man. The person wearing the shoe should be the one feeling the pain.”
Citing statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), Asige highlighted that approximately 15 percent of any country’s population lives with disabilities.
In Nigeria, with an estimated 230 million people, this equates to over 15 million individuals are people with disabilities whose voices are not heard in the parliament.
“If 15 million people with disabilities have the right to vote, shouldn’t they also have representation in Parliament? That is a significant voting bloc,” she said.
She explained that Kenya’s constitution mandates the inclusion of both male and female representatives for PWDs in the Senate, staying that Nigeria can also have such representation if the constitution is amended.
“My counterpart, from the ruling party, is a gentleman with clubfoot. This is something every parliament and jurisdiction should move towards,” she said.
Asige urged Nigerian lawmakers to consider constitutional amendments or alternative legislative measures to improve disability representation.
“In Kenya, constitutional amendments require a referendum. However, we have subsidiary laws such as the Persons with Disabilities Bill, which I am currently sponsoring. Perhaps Nigeria could explore similar reforms through its own disability or political party laws,” she suggested.
She also emphasised the political and economic implications of exclusion, arguing that ignoring the disability community means leaving millions of votes on the table.
“You cannot ignore such a huge minority group. Politicians who focus on this constituency stand to gain significantly,” she added.
Addressing issues of gender equity, Asige expressed support for Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has alleged sexual harassment.
“I think more people should stand behind her, especially because there is merit to the case she has presented,” Asige said.
“The fight for greater political space and equity, despite the harassment faced by women like Senator Natasha, must continue.”
Beyond governance, Asige underscored the economic importance of diversity and inclusion.
“Exclusion costs Africa billions. Statistics show that the Global South loses up to 10 percent of its annual GDP due to lack of inclusion,” she stated.
“This affects sectors like transport, healthcare, education, and employment. The more non-inclusive we are, the more we lose,” she added.
