PWDs in Ekiti protest alleged employment slot reduction despite governor’s promise

Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, in Ekiti State on Monday stormed the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, protesting a drastic cut in employment slots promised to them by the state government.

The protesters, comprising members of different clusters of PWDs, said Governor Biodun Oyebanji had earlier promised them 30 employment slots as part of his inclusion agenda, but the offices saddled with the implementation allegedly reduced the number to 12.

Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind in Ekiti State, Ariyo Tope, said such action was unjust and a betrayal of the governor’s promise to leave no one behind.

He acknowledged the generosity and the promise-keeping spirit of Governor Biodun Oyebanji but accused the ministries and offices responsible for the implementation of short-changing them of the democratic dividends.

He appealed to Governor Oyebanji to intervene directly and call the ministry to order, insisting that 12 slots were grossly inadequate to cater for thousands of qualified PWDs across the state.

His words: “We are not fighting the government; we are not fighting the governor, but it’s unfair that the governor promised 30 slots and those implementing it reduced it to 12 slots.

“We know our governor as Mr Talk and Do; why would they be giving out slots to other people who are not part of us?

“They told us to go to school and get more certificates. Some of us graduated 15 years, 10 years, 5 years ago, respectively, and still, no job to show for it.

“We are suffering. Even the 30 slots are not enough, but we are calling on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to come to our aid so that we can get our 30 slots back”.

Also speaking, Adebisi Oluwasinaayo demanded the list comprising the names of beneficiaries of the slots, adding that they have the right to enjoy the dividends of democracy.