I’m not hostile to people with disabilities – Gov Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has denied claims that his administration has totally abandoned people living with disabilities.

Soludo was earlier in the week accused by the former Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Mrs Uche Ajuluchukwu, of “never budgeting a dime for the disability Commission in the state” since he assumed office.

The Disability Commission, while celebrating its members who emerged victorious in recent sports competitions, lamented that they seem to have been forgotten by the Soludo-led government.

Reacting to the claims, Soludo, in a statement signed by his press secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, said the claims were all false.

Aburime said: “It is rather unfortunate that Mrs Ajuluchukwu has chosen to misrepresent the facts regarding Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment for all its citizens, including Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

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“Her allegations against Governor Soludo’s administration are not only misguided but also devoid of truth. If there was no concealed motive involved, perhaps one would say that she spoke out of sheer ignorance.”

Aburime said, contrary to Ajuluchukwu’s claims, Governor Soludo’s administration has taken remarkable actions to ensure the welfare and empowerment of the vulnerable segments of society in the state, including PWDs.

“It is clear that Mrs Ajuluckwwu has not taken time to thoroughly research the government’s initiatives before making such baseless accusations.

“To set the record straight, the Anambra State Government, through the office of the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, has empowered about twelve vulnerable NGOs and associations in the state.

“The empowerment was undertaken by the state government to alleviate the sufferings of the disabled, the visually impaired, the deaf and dumb, and children with special needs in the state. The interventions are aimed at enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for PWDs,” he said.

He added that Soludo’s administration will welcome criticism, but such criticism should be based on verified information rather than misleading narratives.