Nigerians living with disabilities have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the appointment of someone with empathy and a “true humanitarian” to lead the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Leader of Persons with Disabilities in Bauchi State, Comrade Abdullahi Isma’il Ibrahim made the call in an open letter to the President a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
He noted that the corrupt allegation that rocked the Humanitarian Ministry leading to the suspension of Betta Edu, as the Minister had tarnish the image of Nigeria globally, adding that the over 37 million persons living with disabilities in Nigeria have also suffered because of neglect.
Part of the letter read: “Mr President the corrupt scandal of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs And Poverty Alleviation, that is Betta Edu, has indeed tarnished the image of Nigeria around the globe and it also caused a lot of suffering to Nigerians as a result of the huge amount of money she allegedly squandered within six (6) months in office but your actions on her was worthy of commendation.
“I may sound offensive to the guilty ones, while to some fair-minded, I may sound objective in my analysis. This way, I remain committed to objectivity from my understanding of the corrupt situation disfiguring the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“I appeal to you Mr President to kindly dismiss Betta Edu completely from her ministerial position to ease the suffering of the masses and the less privileged ones, especially the 37 million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria and to also save the image of Nigeria from the global world which will serve as a lessons to many others of your appointees.
“Mr President, your administration at this hardship time is working with more vigour and commitment to serve Nigerians in so many aspect of life especially in the area of fighting corruption, economic development and infrastructure, security, health, and education among others which made you to deserve our applauds and prayers.
“There are several philanthropists and true humanitarian icons among top Nigerian men and women who are not corrupt and are kindhearted enough to replace Betta Edu in managing the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“Among these women, one appeared to be unique with a golden heart that has no bound. Her humanitarian services can be seen and witnessed in all the 36 states of the Federation including FCT and especially to us the people with disabilities.
“The woman that has been there for the disabled people and the less privilege in the society who we wish can be used to head Humanitarian Ministry is Dr Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, a woman who is committed to humanitarian services with an illustrating integrity and moral principles that manifested a trustworthy character in her through advocating for justice and equity.
“We the 37 million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria wish to appeal as we believe the Humanitarian Ministry is solely for the people living with disabilities and the less Privilege in the society are appealing to you to kindly consider the wish of the people in your dividends of democracy to appoint Dr.Halimat Adenike Tejuosho and her likes to head the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs And Poverty Alleviation.
“This we know will work inline with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President that will bring unity, peace, progress and prosperity to our dear country.“
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