By Adadainfo
Comrade Nnadi Christian Ikechukwu, the chairperson of the Association of People Living With Disabilities in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, weekend, demanded recognition of the physically challenged in the government of Mr Frank Nweke jnr if he is elected governor of the state in 2023.
Nweke is the guber candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the state.
Ikechukwu made the demand at Ibagwa, council headquarters of Igboeze South, during a town-hall meeting.
He told Mr Nweke that, “We appreciate that only you, Frank Nweke, recognised us. You invited us to the unveiling of your manifesto. Another party whose name I don’t want to mention denied one of us a ticket but in APGA today, after you came in, we have persons living with disabilities as a ward chairman and as a House of Assembly candidate. All we ask for is good representation and recognition.”
Responding, Mr Nweke, former information minister, assured people living with disabilities that his administration would prioritise their welfare if elected.
He said his administration had a robust plan to alleviate the difficulties experienced by the less privileged.
Quoting him, “The first thing in our plan is to develop a data-driven approach that identifies the vulnerable in our state and integrate everyone in our plans for education, health, human rights, environment and social services.
“I give my word that you will have adequate representation in our government. The APGA philosophy of ‘Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya’ will be what guides everything we do, and no one will be left behind. You already see that it is happening.
“We will ensure that our urban planning, infrastructure, regulations, and institutions are developed to foster accessibility, inclusion, protection of rights and implementation of the Disability Act. We will begin with ensuring that public buildings are well equipped with ramps to make mobility easier.”
Nweke, during the meeting, donated ten wheelchairs and ten crutches to the group which he said should be distributed to its most vulnerable members, in addition to a pair of prosthetic legs for one of the persons present.
