Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The newly elected Chairman of Joint National Association of People Living With Disabilities JNAPWD Taraba State Chapter, Comrade Ali Matudi has appreciated the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas for having concerned on the people with disabilities.
He stated this in his acceptance speech shortly after taking over the mantle of leadership at the just concluded congress of the Association held at NUT Conference Hall, Jalingo the Taraba State capital.
He call on members to support the present administration so as to move the state forward.
“This government of Dr. Abgu Kefas is for us all, we should cooperate with it for the state to move forward.
He further call on members to be united as one entity.
“We will not move forward without unity, so I urge us to be in unity.
“I want to also call on other fractional group to forget about their differences and come and join hands with us to move the association forward.
He appreciated members for their maturity during and after the election and urge them to maintain the tempo.
He said that he will join his colleagues at the National Sectariate towards ensuring that the Disability Commission Bill is establish, adding that he has also approach the State House of Assembly, for his members to have sense of belonging.
He said that Interpreters will be recruited in all Ministries Departments Agencies MDA’S to bridge the communication gabe between the other members and the dumb.
“We will do this and together we will succeed.
In her remarks, the Commissioner, Ministry of Social Justice and Re – Interpretation, Hon. Filister Irarimam Musa said that Governor Agbu Kefas is a friend of the people with disabilities.
The Commissioner, represented by the Director, Social, Mr. Umar Yusuf Yakub urge them to support the present administration of the Governor, for them to enjoy his government.
“The government is doing everything with you by giving you all that is for you.
“The government will establish a bill for the People Living With Disabilities for your benefits.
She appreciated the outgoing Exco Chairman for his leadership role played during his tennur.
“You should be united and stand strong. This election will bring progress to Taraba State despite several litigations.
“For the past Seventeen years, there has been no state officials due to several litigations by a certain group.
“I want to call on the opposition group to forget about their differences and join hands with the new Exco to move the association and the state forward.
“Lack of state officials have deprived the state a lot of things, for things that members should enjoy from the National Sectariate are not giving to them.
On his part, the outgoing State Chairman of the Association, Comrade Sadiq Mohammed said despite the litigations, he was able to record tremendous achievements which includes, establishing partnership with donor agencies, appointment of Special Assistance and Adviser by the immediate past administration amongst others.
He thanked the Ministry of Social Justice and Re – Integration for supporting him and his members and assured it of their support and loyalty.
“I am ready to support the new Exco to succeed and I urge them to carry every member along.
Two Candidates contested for the Chairman seat, whom includes, Comrade Ali Matudi and Comrade Sani Bello. Election was held with 72 Delegates, the scores as announce by the electoral committee is as follows: Comrade Ali Matudi scored 56 votes while Comrade Sani Bello scored 11 votes. Other positions were unopposed, they include,
Hamza Magaji – Vice Chairman 1, Vox Isa Ismail – Vice Chairman 2, Nafiu Suleiman – Secretary, Jafar Jalo – Assistant Secretary, John Adams – Treasurer, Gayus Theophilus – Organizing/ Planning Secretary. Others are Joshua Simon – PRO 1, Bashir Umar – PRO 2, Kelvin Saleh – Financial Secretary, Mrs. Ladidi Yashana, Tanko Jidere – Chief Wip, Liviticus Jaji – Social Director and Abraham Ishola – Sports Secretary.
The Oath of office was administered by Barrister Kawunkasuwa Bawa. He urge them to be united so as to achieve the purpose of their elected offices and the trust bestowed on them by members.
In his acceptance remarks, the State Chairman of the Association Comrade Ali Matudi, promise to run an open door policy to all members.
“My doors are open for constructive criticism and advise on the way forward.
“Today is a joyful day for our members. I am happy and appreciate God for making us to see this day. Taraba State a state of peace and justice.
“I want to specially appreciate our Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas and the Commissioner Ministry of Social Justice and Re – Interpretation Hon. Filister Musa for their support towards this election – he said.