Joint National Association of persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Abia State chapter, has called on Excellency Okezie Ikpeazu to stop the planned inauguration of board members of Abia State Disability Commission, alleging that the entire members of the Board are self nominated and appointed.
In a press statement signed by State Chairman, JONAPWD, Hon. Wisdom Kalu Okechukwu and the Secretary Mr. Ugochukwu Dick, the group said that they are writing the governor state the position or stand of the entire members of the association concerning the appointment of members of the Abia State Disability Commission board.
They were highly appreciative of the Governor for being a father and a caring friend which he demonstrated from his first tenure by appointing some of us as his aids till now he has appended his signature on disability bill thereby making it a law.
But they stated that the parting gift of love from the governor, a man full of human milk of kindness to his children and friends as they described, should not be served with a killing poison by allowing highjackers to mislead the Governor who meant well for persons with disabilities.
They warned that the establishment of the Disability Commission and the appointment of the board members without due process will tear persons with disabilities in the state apart thereby cause a lasting fight among them.
They stated that the leadership of the disability community and members should not be neglected and kept in dark on their matter as any attempt on that will cause them much pain.
“That the imposition of board members on us is a defacing of the true nature of our governor who respects and regards constituted authority and due process” they added.
They called on the Governor with all amount of respect and humility to listen to them and pause any inauguration of any self nominated and appointed individuals as board members in order to avail them the space to come together and agreed on those to represent them because “we are the end beneficiaries of this parting gesture from our governor”.
They also called on the incoming Governor, Alex Otti not to allowed any illegality of this such in his government.
Download the copy of the Press Release below
