We want to be on table with those fine-tuning destiny of our great nation- Lois Auta
Lois Auta, a physically challenged lady who sees nothing wrong with the situation she finds herself, has therefore picked up courage to do what others like her can not do.
Lois got the ticket in Accord Party to run for Federal House of Representative in AMAC/Bwari Federal constituency.
“I am inspired and humbled by the support demonstrated by critical stakeholders and sundry individuals to my decision to take a seat in House of Representatives. Those who have not been sympathetic of my involvement in partisan politics have listed the odds against me to include, my gender as a woman, my financial status, non – indigeneship of FCT and my status as a person with disability.
As always, I am here again to explain that, whether as a man or woman, I am firstly, a human being created by the same God with sound intellect and noble ideas. Yes! I may not have money but I am endowed with abundant and priceless potentials that no amount of money can adequately compensate for.
This is highlighted in my NGO – Cedar Seed Foundation, my personal initiative, which has so far been promoted by men and women of goodwill all over the world. Today Cedar Seed Foundation has in very positive ways torched the lives of many here in Nigeria and abroad as well. Therefore, if there is money in the bank accounts of men and women of goodwill, then I am of immense wealth even financially.”
She continued, “The accident of my birth as a non – indigene of FCT does not make me any less a citizen of this FCT than the Gbagyi or Gwandara person. Like Chief Emeka Odumegu Ojukwu, the late Ikemba of Nnewi, had always said, I am a full blooded Nigerian and I have before my political adventure resolved my destiny in this geographical entity called Federal Capital Territory – FCT.
Moreover, that I am in a wheel chair does not make me any less human. I am restricted by the hurdles and obstacles posed by a society that does not make inclusiveness a focus priority. It is this and other challenges that have informed my decision to participate in partisan politics and at the forefront” she said.
She noted that throughout her consultations, no one dismissed her as a failure or attempted to discourage and by popular support she was sure to take a seat in the House of Representatives, through the Accord Party, come 2019, to represent the cosmopolitan federal constituency of AMAC/Bwari.
Lois further said that her idea of an all-inclusive society is not an attempt to blackmail the government with her situation as a person with disability or use the situation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), to seek unnecessary privileges from the society.
“Mine is a legitimate ambition to serve not only PwDs but also the entire society, with the ability God has given me. In addition, I consider myself better equipped, ineptly experienced, extremely competent and eminently qualified given almost two decades of practical and mature rights activism within and outside the country.
To be sincere with ourselves, by an all-inclusive society, it is not expecting too much from the government. We want good roads, public buildings and other infrastructures that are accessible to all.
We are asking for a society where citizens have equal opportunities regardless of their social status. I am seeking inclusiveness in the formulation of policies. We want to be part of those who implement these policies, laws, resolutions, action plans and other far-reaching agreement.
“On the streets and even in our houses we live in fears. We need protection from the excesses of overzealous security operatives and task force members. to leadership positions like other individuals. We wish to make our contributions positively without let or hindrance.
Not all these can be where I sit on the fence or observe the scenario as a spectator as though a football fan from the gallery” Lois noted.
According to Ms Lois Auta, her participation has already secured a magnificent place in this democratic dispensation for the all-inclusive structure. “I want to promise you that as your legislator, I will seek to establish an all-inclusive society. An inclusion that must reflect in leadership, infrastructure, health education and equity for all and indeed all spheres of our national life. An inclusion that is sure to clear all the hurdles posed by exclusion”.
If there will be need for inclusiveness at any time in the future, then, the need is even greater today. Let us therefore use the participation of people with disabilities to set the ball rolling” she concluded.
