‎‎By CHARLES IWUOHA

‎‎Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Ebonyi State have protested alleged neglect by the state government, demanding monthly subvention, welfare support, and immediate assent to the Disability Bill already passed by the State House of Assembly.

‎‎The protesters, who staged a peaceful demonstration in Abakaliki, also kicked against a vacation order issued by the Commissioners for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, and Women Affairs and Social Development, Barrister Felicia Nwamkpuma, directing them to vacate their office without an alternative accommodation.

‎‎Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene, stressing that disability is not a crime and calling for their inclusion in government programmes and appointments.

‎‎The State Chairman of the Persons With Disabilities, Comrade Nwovu Friday, said the group had suffered neglect despite several appeals to the government.

‎‎He alleged that the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Women Affairs issued a quit notice without prior dialogue, adding that the office had been occupied by PWDs for over ten years.

‎‎Nwovu appealed to the governor to provide monthly subvention, welfare packages, assent to the Disability Bill, and appoint qualified members of the disability community into government positions.

‎‎He also reaffirmed the group’s support for Governor Nwifuru’s administration, saying PWDs in the state were behind him ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‎‎Reacting, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, said Governor Nwifuru had approved the assent of the Disability Bill into law and that the process would be completed soon.

‎‎Professor Echiegu disclosed that over 300 persons with disabilities had been enrolled in the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency for free medical services.

‎‎He said the government was working to address the concerns raised by the group, including accommodation and welfare, adding that he would meet with the PWD leadership and relevant commissioners to find lasting solutions.