Physically-challenged persons barricade Imo govt house over N2.3m allowance

OWERRI—Imo State branch of Deaf Sports Association, yesterday, barricaded Government House, Owerri, to protest alleged reluctance by Governor Rochas Okorocha to release their accrued stipend, amounting to N2.3 million. The protesters, numbering over 150, carried placards, some of which readOkorocha pay us our money;We can’t hear, but physically and mentally capable;We want to participate in the forthcoming national deaf games, please pay us, among others. According to a release distributed to newsmen at the scene of the protest, the association’s Chairman, Mr. Chamberlin Inyama, expressed shock that the funds meant for the support of the association had been inexplicably withheld by government. He said the non-release of the fund had effectively scuttled their planned trip to Abuja, to participate in the 3rd National Games for the deaf. “Governor Okorocha has failed to release the N2.3 million, which is our subvention as a registered association in Imo State,” he said. No government functionary found it necessary to address the protesters, who threatened to remain at Government House gate until they got the governor’s attention. However, the South-East Zonal Youth Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Paul Chukwuma, who later addressed the angry protesters, appealed to them to go home, stressing that Okorocha had a soft spot for the physically-challenged in the state. Chukwuma said: “Remain calm and bear with the present administration. “I believe you will receive fair consideration and adequate attention in due time.”