Election: Anambra State governorship aspirants turned down JONAPWD invites
By Covenant Oluchi Ikedinobi
In a bid to ensure massive inclusiveness in governance, the joint national association of persons with disabilities, Anambra State chapter has expressed dissatisfaction and neglect on how some Governorship aspirants turned down their invites on a proposed interactive session with them.
The idea of this converge was to enable persons with disabilities have a clear understanding of the aspirants who have their well-being at heart if elected as the next governor of Anambra State.
The state chairman of JONAPWD, comrade Ugochukwu Okeke in his opening speech said that over four hundred thousand persons being disabled in the state is a good number of votes count, hence should not be taking for granted by any aspirant.
” With a population of over four hundred to seven hundred thousand persons who are now more politically aware of their stake through their votes in elections and in decision making processes, issues of persons with disabilities cannot be swept off so carelessly again in Anambra State by any winning minded political structure”
Following the eighteen parties involved in this gubernatorial race , only eight were invited and one turned up which is the All Progressive Congress. Others which includes APGA, PDP, YPP, ZLP, LP, ACCORD, ADC were not present neither represented.
The special adviser to the governor on disability matters and director of Soludo mobilization campaign group Hon. Barr. Chuka Ezewuzie said that the APGA flag bearer Prof.Chukwuma Charles Soludo have promised to continue the good work the present adminstration has done to JONAPWD, hence there will be more of Inclusion in his administration. He further encouraged his fellow members on the need to have Prof. Soludo in their heart and as well elect him as the next governor of Anambra State comes November 6.
The candidate of the All progressive Congress senator Andy Ubah , who was represented by Hon. Chukwuemeka Ezeukoma Mascot laud maximum support in giving JONAPWD ministry if being elected as the next governor of Anambra State. He further said that rescheduling of the interactive session with Senator Andy Ubah should be done as his presence will tell more of his agenda towards JONAPWD.
Following the maximum inclusiveness of JONAPWD in Governor Willie Obiano administration the association however , advise the governorahip aspirants to have the following agenda in their manifesto with possible ways of implementing it.
Establishment of disability rights commission , allotment of more political offices to persons with disabilities which includes having a commissioner and permanent secretary ; continuous employment of persons with Disabilities; extension of years of service for persons with disabilities ; effective scholarship scheme ; social protection program for persons with disabilities ; housing scheme for persons with disabilities.
To ensure effectiveness and active participation in Governance, the association proposed to exercise patience and re-write again to all the political parties involved in this gubernatorial race.
Chairman National association for the deaf Anambra State chapter, Comrade Nwagwu Amobichukwu decry on the ill manner people addressed them . He States that they are not dumb rather deaf. Hence should not be seen or addressed as deaf and dumb rather dumb.
