By Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi Birnin Kebbi.
A wave of discontent is sweeping through Kebbi State’s disability community as members openly criticize the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, describing its leadership as “unavailable, insensitive, and disconnected.”
Many say life was far better under the Social Security system, which they claim provided consistent though modest support before it was replaced by the Commissions.
“We’ve Been Abandoned,” Says Chairman of Physically Challenged Persons
The State Chairman of the Physically Challenged Association, Comrade Sani Aliyu Abubakar Sarki Guragun Jega, commended Governor Nasir Idris for his compassion toward persons with disabilities but expressed deep frustration with the Commission’s management.
“We appreciate the Governor for always standing by us, but the leadership of the Commission has failed us,” Jega lamented.
“Whenever we submit our requests, there’s no response. Under Social Security, we used to receive some support, no matter how little. But now, nothing. Because of lack of funding, we couldn’t even attend the recent national program the first time in Kebbi’s history.
“No Funds, No Hope,” Argungu’s Sarkin Makafi Cries Out
The Sarkin Makafi Argungu, Muhammad Muktar Bachaka, spoke with visible frustration over the Commission’s alleged neglect.
“Each time we go there, all we hear is ‘no funds.’ But we know our Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, is a generous leader who always helps people. This failure is from the Commission’s leadership. They are denying us our rightful support,” he said bitterly
Blind Association Decries Hardship, Missed Opportunities
Also speaking, Saidu Umar, Chairman of the National Association of the Blind (Kebbi Chapter), said many of his members are facing severe hardship.
“Some of our members are about to drop out of school because they can’t pay registration fees or maintain themselves. One of them needs just ₦350,000 for surgery but has received no help. Flood victims among us are suffering without support,” he explained.
He further revealed that their association missed a national meeting because the Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Zayyanu Umar Aliero, has not approved their travel request.
“Social Security is far better than this Commission. At least back then, we had access to help,” Umar added
A former corps member, Moses Peace, who once served in Kebbi, narrated her bitter experience at the Commission, alleging gender bias and abuse of office.
“When I sought help from the Executive Secretary, I was treated with disrespect. It was a clear case of gender insensitivity and misuse of authority,” she said
At the time of filing this report, calls and text messages sent by GlobalTimesNews report to Commissioner for Special Duties, Zayyanu Umar Aliero, over two consecutive weeks went unanswered
Calls for Governor’s Intervention
The disability community is now appealing to Governor Nasir Idris to intervene urgently and consider returning their welfare under the Social Security framework, which they believe provided more care and transparency.
“Social Security worked better, cared more, and never left us in silence,” the community leaders concluded.
Global Times News
More updates to follow………………….
