Physically-Challenged Want Political Appointments In Rivers

The physically challenged in Rivers State operating under the aegis of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability, has called on the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi to consider one of their own for political appointment to give them a sense of belonging.

Rivers State Chapter President of the Association, Comrade Frederick Amakiri, made the appeal on behalf of the body during a courtesy call on the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Rivers State, Mr. Opaka Dokubo in his office in Port Harcourt.

Comrade Frederick who commended the NUJ over their articulation of issues of development in the state emphasized that only the physically challenged themselves can properly handle their welfare, with desirable concern.

He sited example of state like Delta where the physically challenged had been given opportunities the serve the government in various capacities.

Comrade Amakiri lamented a situation whereby the physically challenged are misunderstood and treated as social outcast in the society, despite their other forms of abilities which could be beneficial to the society.

He added that the physically challenged in Rivers State had been  neglected in government programmes and denied of privileges.

While calling on the government to give employment and scholarship to the physically challenged in the state, Comrade Amakiri, thanked the Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi over the N15m grant approved for 30 beneficiaries of the group in institutions of higher learning to aid their studies.

In his response, the Rivers NUJ Chairman, Mr. Opaka Dokubo thanked the body for identifying with the NUJ and assurred the association of the assistance of NUJ to bring their demands to the attention of Government.

Taneh Beemene