Senator Crystal Asige Advocates For Disability Representation In Nigeria's Parliament




Kenyan Senator Crystal Asige has called on Nigeria to amend its constitution to guarantee parliamentary representation for people with disabilities (PWDs), asserting that only those who face such challenges directly can effectively advocate for their rights.

Speaking ahead of the Haske Satumari Foundation Annual Colloquium 2025, scheduled for this Saturday, Asige underscored the necessity of inclusive governance.

The event will take place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where the Senator is set to honour philanthropist Kudla Satumari Haske for his significant contributions to social development.

With the theme “Promoting Social Change and Development through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice,” the colloquium will be chaired by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, with Asige delivering the keynote address.

Other distinguished speakers include 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 will serve as the chief host.

Asige, who holds one of Kenya’s designated Senate seats for PWDs, argued that representation in legislative bodies is vital for effective advocacy.

“In the past, we have had non-disabled parliamentarians speaking on our issues, attempting to legislate for us, but they are not persons with disabilities,” she remarked. 

“I could not stand here and claim I will 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 per cent of any country’s population lives with disabilities.

In Nigeria, with an estimated population of 230 million, this equates to over 15 million individuals with disabilities whose voices are not represented in 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 stated.

She explained that Kenya’s constitution mandates the inclusion of both male and female representatives for PWDs in the Senate, asserting that Nigeria could also achieve such representation through constitutional amendments.

“My counterpart from the ruling party is a gentleman with clubfoot. This is something every parliament and jurisdiction should strive towards,” she observed.

Asige urged Nigerian lawmakers to contemplate 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 legislation,” she suggested.

She also emphasised the political and economic ramifications of exclusion, arguing that neglecting the disability community results in millions of unexploited votes.

“You cannot disregard such a large minority group. Politicians who prioritise this constituency stand to benefit significantly,” she added.

Addressing gender equity issues, Asige expressed her support for Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has alleged sexual harassment.

“I believe more people should rally behind her, especially as there are merits to the case she has presented,” Asige asserted. 

“The fight for greater political space and equity, despite the harassment faced by women like Senator Natasha, must persist.”

Beyond governance, Asige highlighted the economic significance of diversity and inclusion.

“Exclusion costs Africa billions. Statistics indicate that the Global South loses up to 10 per cent of its annual GDP due to a lack of inclusion,” she stated.

“This affects sectors such as transport, healthcare, education, and employment. The more non-inclusive we are, the greater our losses,” she concluded.

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