Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ebonyi State have protested claimed neglect by the state government, seeking monthly subventions, welfare support, and speedy assent to the Disability Bill, which has already been enacted by the State House of Assembly.
The protesters, who held a peaceful demonstration in Abakaliki, also objected to a vacation order issued by Commissioners for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, and Women Affairs and Social Development, Barrister Felicia Nwamkpuma, directing them to vacate their offices without alternative accommodation.
Carrying placards with varied inscriptions, the demonstrators urged Governor Francis Nwifuru to act, emphasising that disability is not a crime and advocating for their inclusion in government programmes and positions.
Comrade Nwovu, the State Chairman of Persons with Disabilities, stated on Friday that the group had been neglected despite many requests to the government.
He claimed that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women Affairs issued a quit notice without previous consultation, despite the fact that the office had been occupied by people with disabilities for more than a decade.
Nwovu urged the governor to offer monthly subventions and welfare packages, sign the Disability Bill, and appoint qualified members of the disability community to government jobs.
He also reaffirmed the group’s support for Governor Nwifuru’s administration, stating that people with disabilities in the state were behind him ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, responded by saying that Governor Nwifuru had approved assent to the Disability Bill and that the procedure will be finished soon.
Professor Echiegu revealed that more than 300 people with impairments had enlisted in the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency for free medical care.
He stated that the government was working to address the group’s issues, which included lodging and welfare, and that he would meet with PWD leadership and appropriate commissioners to find long-term solutions.