The group is calling for monthly financial assistance, improved welfare, and the immediate signing of the Disability Bill recently passed by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
The group is demanding monthly financial subventions, general welfare support, and the immediate assent to the Disability Bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly.
The demonstrators also voiced strong opposition to an alleged eviction order jointly issued by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Felicia Nwamkpuma.
The directives instructed the association to vacate its secretariat, a facility it has occupied for over a decade, without providing alternative accommodation.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters appealed directly to Governor Francis Nwifuru for intervention. Emphasising that disability is not a crime, they called for greater inclusion in governance, key appointments, and state-sponsored empowerment programs.
Ebonyi_ Disabled Persons Protest Alleged Medical Neglect, Demand Immediate Inclusion.
Speaking during the rally, the State Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Friday Nwovu, decried the systemic marginalisation faced by members despite repeated appeals to relevant authorities.
He noted with concern that the quit notice was issued without prior dialogue or consultative engagement.
Nwovu urged Governor Nwifuru to grant monthly subventions, extend welfare packages to members, assent to the pending Disability Bill, and appoint qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs) into key public offices.
Notwithstanding their grievances, the chairman reaffirmed the community’s solid support for the Nwifuru-led administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the protesters on behalf of the state government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, assured the group that Governor Nwifuru had already approved the Disability Bill for final assent, promising that the process would be concluded shortly.
Prof. Echiegu further highlighted the administration’s ongoing initiatives, revealing that over 300 persons with disabilities have been enrolled in the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) to receive free healthcare services.
He assured the demonstrators that the governor remains committed to addressing their welfare and accommodation concerns, promising an immediate harmonization meeting with PWD leaders and the affected commissioners to reach a lasting resolution
