Imo Blind Association Members barricade Government House,set for showdown against Okorocha

www.odogwublog.com reports that members of Nigerian Association of the Blind, Imo State chapter today barricaded the entrance of the State Government House, Owerri to demand for employment and special education centres for their members.

Chairman of the group, Mr Kalu Christopher said the State Government had failed in its duties to them adding since 2011, they have been serially neglected.

According to him, their demands tabled before Governor Rochas Okorocha since December 4th, 2017, was yet receive any attention adding that nobody remembers Imo citizens with special needs.

Their demands include: establishment of special schools for the blind; non payment of subvention since 2011 till date; employment of graduate members; and payment of bursary allowances to students in Secondary and Tertiary institutions.

Christopher explained that the Governor had last year, directed them to sheath their swords and forward to him, the names of their graduate members adding that they have already come complied but were yet to get a response.

A visibly pained Christopher said "we have waited enough and up till now no response, we don't feel carried along and we demand to be treated as Imo citizens. And if they don't consider us to be citizens, they should tell us where we belong so that we can go there", the Chairman said.

Further, he lamented " its not fair the way we are being treated. No form of attention, care, or love. It is not easy living with special needs yet in Imo State, it takes a whole lot more effort to live here and its not good ", Christopher lamented. 

The protesters arrived as early as 10am and sealed off the entrance of the Imo Peoples House, refusing either entry or exit into the premises, leaving many visitors stranded.

While some sat on the ground, many stood complaining, and calling for the attention of the Governor.

The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Gertrude Oduka who addressed them briefly told them their grievances will be directed to the appropriate quarters, adding that there is an appointee assigned to matters concerning people with special needs.