…Demand Special Adviser Appointment
Some All Progressives Congress(APC) Elders Forum of physically-challenged members in Ondo State on Monday protested against perpetual stay in office of their Chairperson, Princess Folashade Arise.
They alleged Princess Arise of neglecting them and diverting their entitlements into her personal use..
In a letter jointly signed by the Coordinator and Secretary of the group, Comrade Gideon Joseph and Miss Praise Abimbola and addressed to the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the protesters alleged that the leadership of Arise is characterized with deception and no regard for the welfare of members.
They appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to appoint a Special Adviser on Disability Matters as member of the state Executive like in other South West states.
The letter reads in parts:: “We, the Disabled APC Elders Forum, humbly appeal to you today to address pressing concerns and requests. Firstly, we urge you to bring an end to Princess Folashade Arise’s tenure, which has been marked by embezzlement of funds meant for persons with disabilities in our agency for the welfare of persons with disabilities.
“Her leadership has been characterized by deception, misled her board members, citing unsigned files as the reason for delayed allowances since your tenure began”
The Persons with disability also appealed to governor Aiyedatiwa ” to approve a special adviser on disability matters in the executive cabinet as seen in Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos states, to ensure inclusivity and effective representation
“Establish a supervising chancellor in all 18 Local Governments in Ondo State, to oversee and implement disability friendly initiatives.
“Increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the state, promoting equal access and participation.
“We urge you to hasten in meeting our demands, which will greatly impact our community and including us in your campaign team which will encourage us to vote massively for your re-election in the upcoming election.
“We believe in your commitment to inclusivity and the welfare of persons with disabilities.Thank you for your attention to these urgent matters”
Meanwhile, in her reaction, Arise described the aggrieved members of the group as faceless and not known to her, saying there was no dissenting voice in the group.
She denied knowing the protesters, saying they were not members of group of people living with disabilities, but hiding under the group’s umbrella.
End