Rivers
PWDs Push For Inclusiveness, Implementation Of Rights
Persons With Disabilities PWDs in Rivers State have called for recognition, inclusiveness in government and corporate policies and respect for their fundamental human rights in the state and beyond.
Speaking recently at a press conference on Disabilities Rights Initiative Project, DRIP, being powered by FAECARE Foundation in Rivers State, the Executive Director of the foundation, Ndifreke Andrew-Essien, fondly known as Freky said that PWDs value many of the same subjects considered important by the general public. According to her, they have the right to full and equal enjoyment of all human rights, fundamental freedoms and deserve respect for their inherent human dignity. Regrettably, however, she noted that despite the extant conventions and laws concerning the rights of PWDs, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) of March, 2007 with its Optional Protocol in September 2010, the Nigerian Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of January, 2019 and Persons with Disabilities Welfare (Enhancement) Law of 2012, the society has remained very far from the reality of implementation of these laws, especially , in the state.
That is why, Andrew-Essien said, FAECARE Foundation, an organization with the vision to add value to the lives of target vulnerable groups in the society, including persons with disabilities embarked on DRIP with a focus on advancing the rights of PWDs and implementation of disability laws in Rivers State to address inclusiveness issues, inequalities, including inequalities towards women and girls with disabilities.
The DRIP approach, she explained focuses on equipping and empowering PWDs with the knowledge and skills to strategically advocate for their rights. She further explained that the understanding of disability has been expanded from welfarist to social and rights-based themes and has therefore, become necessary to take disability into account in development and policy making, as people with disabilities represent a significant proportion of the people. “Real grassroots development cannot progress in a cohesive manner if a significant part of the population continues to be treated differently and discriminated against because of their disabilities.
Meanwhile, considering the prevailing election season in the country, the FAECARE’s Executive Director called upon PWDs to get their permanent voters card, PVC, ensure they play active role in the election process and demand that current and prospective leaders do right by making disability inclusion and disability mainstreaming part of their mandate and policies.
By: Gabriel Nwanetanya
Niger Delta
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Rivers
Rivers Political Crisis: IYC Warns of Dire Consequences Amid Impeachment Threats Against Gov Fubara

As tensions continue to mount following the current political crisis in Rivers State, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, has warned on the potential fallout from the ongoing impeachment threats against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The IYC, Eastern Zone, in a communiqué jointly signed by Chairman Comrade Ibiso Harry and Secretary Hon. John Amos Benjamin, emphasized that any attempt to destabilize the government could have dire consequences for the state’s stability and the welfare of Rivers people.
They called for dialogue and peaceful resolutions, urging all parties involved to prioritize the welfare of the citizens over political maneuvering.
In the communiqué, IYC accused former Governor Nyesom Wike and the Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly of exacerbating the ongoing political crisis in the state.
They claimed that Wike’s persistent efforts to control the state’s resources have led to a political crisis that threatens the very fabric of Rivers State governance.
“The bone of contention in this crisis is the desperate attempt by the FCT Minister to maintain control over the state’s resources, which Governor Fubara has firmly resisted,” stated Comrade Ibiso Harry, who read the communiqué.
He went on: “Fubara’s mantra, ‘Rivers money for Rivers people,’ clearly reflects his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of our citizens.”
The group further warned that the stoppage of federal revenue allocation to the state would lead to severe repercussions for civil servants and jeopardize crucial services in healthcare and education.
“We have supported every governor of Rivers State in the past, and we demand the same respect for Governor Fubara to complete his two terms.
“Our people have sacrificed too much in the name of political loyalty, and we will not stand idly by as these attempts threaten our collective future”, the IYC declared.
The group called for dialogue and cooperation among political leaders, urging them to resolve differences without resorting to dubious political tactics.
They warned that should such attempts to impeach Fubara continue, those responsible would face the consequences of their actions, potentially leading to a breakdown of law and order in the state.
As the political tensions rise, the IYC expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention thus far, calling for further support to ensure that democracy prevails in Rivers State.
The communiqué concluded with a call for unity among all ethnic groups in the state, asserting their unwavering support for Governor Fubara and his administration.
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