The chambers of the National Assembly today jointly passed a bill approving among other punishment a jail term of six months to anybody caught begging or using a disabled person to beg for alms in the public.
A copy of the harmonised version of the bill obtained by Punch today showed that anyone or group of people who employ or involve a disabled person in alms begging risked either a six – month imprisonment, a fine of N100,000, or both.
The bill, also forbids anyone from segregating or isolating people with disabilities except strictly on health grounds or in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of Nigeria. Part 9, Clause 21 of the bill states that, “Except on medical grounds, or in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a person with disability shall not be isolated or segregated from the community or compelled to live in a particular area.”
The bill also ask the government to ensure that all persons with disabilities enjoy free health care services, employment, accommodation and equal access to all social amenities.
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