ENUGU–The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) recently lauded the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Frank Nweke Jr. for according them special recognition at the occasion of the unveiling of his manifesto.
They also commended APGA leadership for giving them a voice citing inclusion of their members not only in terms of governance but also in the process of election.
According to the Enugu State Chapter Chairman of the Association, Mr. Onyebuchi Mbah, the laudable gesture by Frank Nweke Jr. amounts to the sort of inclusiveness they have been yearning for over the years.
He expressed joy over what he described as Nweke’s inclusive leadership style which gives hope to the common man, especially the physically challenged in the society.
In the words of Mr. Mbah, “We are glad to see APGA as a party that recognizes persons with disabilities in the state. That is why we are here.
We have not had it this way, that a political party would deliberately involve persons with disabilities, identify with them, and be able to carry them along in such a manner. That is why we are excited.
“We know Frank Nweke Jr. We heard much about him during his days in Abuja as a federal minister. Having him in Enugu as a guber candidate is not a new thing to us because his name has been out there in the public.
“We know him from the fact that ever since he came into Nigeria politics till this very moment, we have never had of any corruption allegation against him. That alone goes a long way to tell you that he is a man of character and a man that can be trusted having been tested at that federal level.”he said.
While stressing that Nweke Jr. has all it takes to lead Enugu State come 2013, Mr. Mbah added that part of the groups advocacy is to seek out the party with the right ideologies on issues affecting peoples with disabilities.
Mbah added: “We seek one who would give us a voice in Enugu State government, who would recognize persons with disabilities, not on the charity based approach, but on the human rights based approach that would accord us equal rights as full citizens of the state like every other person in the society.
“There is no doubt we’ve have found such person in Frank Nweke Jr., the governorship flag-bearer of APGA, the political party of the people – nke a bu nke anyi.
Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) is the umbrella organization of persons with disabilities in Nigeria, a full-fledged member of the Disabled People’s International (DPI) and the West Africa Federation of the Disabled (WAFOD)
