PWDs decry ‘discriminatory distribution of palliatives’ in Bauchi

The Association of People With Disabilities (APWD) in Bauchi has criticised state government officials for not factoring them into the equation when palliatives are distributed.

APWD urged Bala Mohammed, governor of the state, to investigate the distribution of items and money given by the ministry of humanitarian affairs and disaster management.

Abdullahi Isma’il, chairman of the association, was responding to reports of the completion of the distribution of palliatives by the ministry as published by various news platforms.

“It’s sad that the vulnerable group and persons with disabilities didn’t receive their share of the palliatives,” he said.

“We’re the right people to be considered first before any other group in the state.

“We were initially advised to be patient, with the assurance that the palliatives would reach us after being distributed to all 20 LGAs in the state. Unfortunately, this did not happen.

“We patiently accepted their decision. But, in the end, nothing was given to us. Only a few members selected during the commissioning of the palliatives received anything. After the commissioning, the distribution stopped.

“Let the truth be told. She (the commissioner) needs to do the right thing. Denying persons of their rights just because she has a small issue with them will not earn her any honour.

“We thank His Excellency, Sen. Bala A. Mohammed, for releasing the palliatives for persons with disabilities. But, let him know that it hasn’t reached us.”

The association also quoted the governor as directing that “200 bags of rice should be given to persons with disabilities, along with N10,000 cheques, as part of the commissioning”.

It said neither the rice nor the money was given to PWDs in the state.