Ondo: APC PWDs kick against leadership neglect

Some members of the Disabled All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum in Ondo State have kicked against the continued stay in office of the chairman of the group, Princess Folashade Arise.

Persons with disabilities who are members of the ruling APC in the state accused Arise of neglecting members of the group and diverting their entitlements into her personal purse.

The people living with disabilities, in a letter addressed to the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and signed by the coordinator of the group, Comrade Gideon Joseph, and secretary, Miss Praise Abimbola, said the leadership of Arise is characterised by deception and no regard for the welfare of members.

They, however, appealed to the state governor to appoint a special adviser on disability matters as a member of the state executive, as seen in other South-West states.

The letter read: “We, the Disabled APC Elders Forum, humbly appeal to you today to address pressing concerns and requests.

“Firstly, we urge you to put 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 characterised by deception and has 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 include 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.”

However, 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 said some people behind the letter are not members of the People Living with Disabilities group, but they are just hiding under the group’s umbrella.

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