THE STINK IN THE DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION: *An aberration of ignorance*
You may be aware that it is time for reappointment of the management of the Commission since the expiration of our tenure on 26/01/2020 after three years. If you are familiar with happenings in January 2017 during my appointment and others as Chairman and members of the Commission, a worse scenario happened where they raised unsubstantiated allegations against my person, led a demonstration to the State House of Assembly during our screening which they failed. It is normal for this faceless group to spring up again at this time. All material facts regarding my stewardship at the Commission are available for verification. To put the record straight for the public consumption, here are some titbits.
1. On the 18m released, data was collated in all communities in Plateau by the Bureau for Statistics, data analysed and report submitted by the London based consultant which is available for verification.
2. The Polio funds was approved by the Governor based on request by the Polio Survivors Association, fully visible and recognized, and the funds was released to them, evidence of release is available at the Commission.
3. The International Day for Persons with Disabilities celebration fund was approved based on request by the Joint National Association of Persons with disabilities (the recognized Umbrella Association in the State) and the fund was released by the Ministry of Finance after I left office. Further details about the fund can be obtained from the Commission. On allegation of non celebration of previous International days, no approval was made for 2017 but for 2018 the Governor personally celebrated the day on the 5th December 2018 at his residence empowering over 1,000 persons with Disabilities with wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
4. On allegation of one Man leadership, we started as a strong team and ended as a strong team, though as humans, we had some disagreements among my members, I am glad we overcome it. You may reach out to my four members and the secretary to the Commission for a verified testimony.
Even though this remain an unknown Association among the Disability community in Plateau, I would advice them to come out openly, insert their respective names and be bold enough to raised these allegations in written to the antigraft agencies, The Governor of Plateau State and the State House of Assembly rather than being faceless which is an act of cowardice.
I may advice them also that, self destruction cannot earn them the appointment, they should try to join the six recognised associations in the State which will give them legitimate recognition and avoid been sponsored by external forces who seek to take away their cup at the National Table.
May I end by citing and unknown author thus:
“those who fail to use you, will seek to destroy you”
Finally I remained forever grateful to His Excellency Rt. Hon. Simon B. Lalong the Executive Governor for giving me the opportunity to have served in this capacity and for the wonderful support. As humanly as I can, I understand my inability to meet up with the aspirations of everybody, I am glad I did the best I can.
MiddleBelt Reporters 