2,000 Persons Living With Leprosy Protest Neglect In Delta

From Ochei Matthew, Asaba
Alleged neglect by the Delta State government to cater for people living with leprosy, on Wednesday spark off protest. No fewer than 2,000 persons living with leprosy in Osiomor Leprosarium home around Agbor community in the state participated in the protest.
The aggrieved protesters clad in dirty clothes armed with walking sticks, lamented that they presently live from hand to mouth considering their ailment and the phobia people have for
them.
Armed with placards with inscriptions like “We need your attention Gov. Okowa”, “We need food items, care” at the State Government House gate, the protesters were addressed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rev (Mrs.) Omatsola Williams.
It was reliably gathered that Osimor leprosarium home had over the years been abandoned while its patients are being taken care of by public spirited bodies and individuals. Two of the patients, investigation revealed allegedly died of neglect and inadequate care only a few months ago.
But the commissioner enjoined the protesters to be patient with the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, saying the government was aware of their plight as efforts were being made to bring succour to ameliorate their hardship.
Saying that current challenges in the state and the nation were precarious, the commissioner assured that the Okowa administration will take necessary measures to lighten their load despite the huge debt burden inherited by the current administration.
She explained that the current administration has been able to offset two months out of the six months stipends owed them by the previous administration with a promise to offset the outstanding in no distant time.
She advised them to endeavour to be well and accurately informed on any issue and dialogue rather than hasty protest which may not be in the interest of the state.
Isichie Oketa, the leader of the group, said the protest was to press home their demands and appealed to the state government to come to their aid.