Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Anambra Chapter, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, has called on persons with disability in the state to come out and vote during the governorship election in Anambra on Nov. 6.
Okeke pledged that members of the group will vote during the election despite all the security challenges facing the state.
He gave this indication in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, saying “it is time to sustain our rights.”
Okeke said that the security operatives in the state have reassured the group of proper security on Nov 6 and urged all not to fear or stay back in their homes without voting for the next governor.
“We are sure that the security challenges in the state now are election induced because the state has been calm before the campaign stated.
“Irrespective of the security challenges, we have to take part in the process of governance and government that determines the welfare of the persons with disability.
“More importantly, we need to come out to vote for the governor that would take care of challenged persons in the state.
“We are happy with the inclusive governance of the present administration where the persons with disability have been given voice.
“We are represented in the present government, we have a member in the state executive council as Senor Special Adviser to governor on Disability Matter, Mr Chuks Ezewuzie.
“We have members who are appointed as special Adviser to governor on sign language and communication, Special Adviser on Disability Services, Special Adviser on Sports, Special Adviser on Community liaison, Special Adviser on power and utility.
He said that they are happy with the Government for its efforts to improve the welfare of Persons with Disabilities in the state and urged members to come out to vote so as to maintain a progressive Anambra.
Okeke said that the group is studying the manifestos of all the candidates to ascertain the candidate who would protect their community from harsh environment.
“We have really enjoyed the governance of the present administration, we have never been treated so good like it is now, disability has been transformed from charity to right.
“Gov. Obiano has employed over 10 academically qualified persons with disability and empowered unskilled members to be economically balanced,” he said .
Okeke said that Obiano is the first governor to domesticate the disability rights law in the country and has truly included disabled persons in his administration.
He stated that several opportunities have been provided for them by the government in the areas of skills acquisition training, employment and scholarships.
He urged their members to continue to support the effort of the governor to move the state forward and part of it is to come out to vote for their choice candidate as the electoral umpire has assured that preference would be accorded to them.
Okeke said that the electoral umpire has trained some members with disability on how to use the brail and in turn train those impaired.
“Most of our challenges have be addressed by the authorities involved for a smooth run of the elections, we will be active politically,” he said (NAN)
