Lockdown: NGO makes case for physically challenged persons in A’Ibom

By Dennis Udoma

Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called on the Akwa Ibom Government to carry Persons with disabilities in its planned distribution of palliatives during the lockdown.

The Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Mr David Anyaele made the appeal in a statement he issued to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.

Anyaele said that, the 14 days lockdown would drastically affect persons with disabilities more than other people.

He urged the governor to take steps to ensure safety and protection of persons with disabilities in accordance with the Nigeria Disabilities Law.

The Director General stated that, the appeal became necessary as Government was yet to sign the State Disability Law.

According to him, “this is to appeal to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Emmanuel Udom not to leave Akwa Ibom persons with disabilities behind in the distribution of relief materials and palliatives to all villages in Akwa Ibom State.

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“It is obvious that Persons with Disabilities are the worst affected as a result of the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.

“We urge the Governor to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of Persons with Disabilities as clearly stated in Section 25 of the Nigeria Disability Law.

“As the State Government plans to send palliatives to all villages in Akwa Ibom to assist residents during lockdown in the State, we urge the government to ensure that Persons with Disabilities are given priority in the distribution of these relief materials”.

He also called on the State Government to consult organisations of persons with disabilities in the State for support in the area of sign language interpretation.

Ayaele added that there was need for the establishment of disability desks, to enhance communication on the pandemic in the state saying that, the NGO would be monitoring the extent of access and inclusion of its members in the distribution of the relief materials.