The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Abia State chapter has called on Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to pause any imposition and inauguration of a governing board of Abia State Disability Commission.
The group made the call in a press statement signed by Chairman, Wisdom Kalu Okechukwu and Secretary, Mr. Ugochukwu Dick on Friday, 28 April, 2023 to press home their position and stand on the appointment.
The group said the association is highly appreciative of Governor Ikpeazu for being a father and a caring friend which he demonstrated from his first tenure by appointing some of them as his aids, till now he has appended his signature on disability bill thereby making it a law.
The statement reads in part, “this parting gift of love from a man full of human milk of kindness to his children and friends should not be served with a killing poison by allowing highjacker to mislead our governor who meant well for us.
“The establishment of the Disability Commission and the appointment of the board members without due process will tear us apart thereby cause a lasting fight among Abians with Disabilities.
“The leadership of the disability community and members should not be neglected and kept in dark on our own thing as this attempt will cause us much pain.
“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.”
The Association charged Governor Ikpeazu to listen to persons with disabilities 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 agree as one people, because according to them “we are the end beneficiaries of this parting gesture from our governor.”
The group also called on the Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti not to allow any illegality of such in his government.