By onyekachi eze
It was an ugly scenario on the early hours of yesterday at the front gate of Government House, Owerri, Imo State, as the physically challenged persons blocked the total entrance into the Douglas House, demanding for the long awaited arrears circus, of their subvention.
Narrating their ordeals, the leader, Chief Mike Ugochukwu Ogbu, the National President of Physically challenged graduates, Imo State commented that they have been abandoned and neglected by the present administration led by Owelle Okorocha, who has been making vain promises to them without any positive response. Chief Ogbu stated that since the last protest carried out around Warehouse-Orlu road, Owerri, in which the Governor assured them of updating their subvention before the expiration of one week, nothing was done which aroused the anger of the physically challenge to once again embark on the protest making it the fourth time since the year. Meanwhile, he reiterated that the last administration led by Ikedi Ohakim was a remarkable one and by stating that he never for once allowed them to wallow in anguish, but usually updates their subvention before he left office for the present regime. Chief Ogbu added that if he could pay up 2011-2012 subvention amounting N33.5m, they would go home to rest.
Responding, the Imo State Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu who spoke on behalf of the Governor solicited for their cooperation and patience as the State Government rates all and sundry on equal ranks. Sir Ejiogu further stated that the Governor has fixed Monday next week to be physically challenged day at Heroes Square. He pointed that it was designed to address and solve all related matters concerning the association, and as well shower them with Christmas packages.
In their separate speeches, Mr Chimezie Nwaizu of Ideato North and Mr Francis Oparaugo of Ideato South lamented the unwarranted character exhibited by Gov Okorocha towards them, stressing that he should focus more on human capital development and the rehabilitation of the physically challenged persons, rather than the circus street show of poor roads, roundabouts and flashy China lights. However, they threatened to embark on seven days hunger strike if nothing is done within a week.
They added that the unserious committee set up by the Governor has collapsed.
Among the inscription on the placards reads; “Owelle, you have crippled us indeed”, “My people, my people is all fake”, “We shall fight this injustice with our last drop of blood”, “We have been abandoned by the present government,” among others.
Meanwhile, Owerri again was shut down as a result of the protest. All major roads were blocked with traffic gridlock. Motorists and road users went through hell assessing the Douglas, Wetheral, Okigwe and Bank roads. The situation remained so till 9pm
