By Cajetan Mmuta
The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has pledged to ensure justice prevails over the death of Mr Mmaduabuchi Nnofu, the blind 47-year-old man allegedly murdered by his sibling on January 30, 2022.
Obiano stated this during the inauguration of the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission held on Tuesday at the Government House Awka the state capital.
He pointed out that the prime suspect had been arrested and is presently cooling his heels in the police custody.
A minute silence was observed in honor of the deceased during the ceremony.
Mmaduabuchi, until his sudden death was the coordinator of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD) in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
He was gruesomely murdered and burnt beyond recognition by his younger brother, Mr. Onyedika Nnofu, over disputed family land.
The governor charged the association to collaborate with relevant ministries, parastatals, or corporate bodies issuing codes and directions for structural design and building so as to make them accessible to and usable by persons living with disabilities.
“Functions of the commission are; implementing government policies in the law in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and all other disability matters. Issuance of guidelines for education, social development, and welfare of persons living with disabilities.
“Issuance of direction and guidelines to special schools for persons living disabilities, and issuance of direction and guidelines on all manner of disabilities, preventive or curative exercises, and other functions as stipulated in section 12 (a-u) of Anambra State Disability Rights Law, 2018,” he said.
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The commission is chaired by Barr. Chukwuka Ezewuzie; Barr. Chinenye Okeke – Secretary (Deputy Director representing Ministry of Justice); Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke representing JONAPWD State Chairman; Mrs. Obianyo Anthonia – Director Rehab ( representing Ministry of Women and Children Affairs), and Miss Victoria Okonkwo – Unit Head Ministry of Basic Education ( representing Ministry of Education).
Others are Mr. Tony Oli, representing Anambra State Sports Commission; Bishop Moses Ezedebego, representing Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Dr. Lady Pat Okeke, representing Private Sector); Mrs. Eucharia Anekwe – Director Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (representing Civil Society Organisation focusing on Disability Issues); and Mr. Williams Ndidika Umeh, a retired Director of Education and Former Head of Department ( HOD) Education and Social Development Local Government Service Commission.
Chairman of the Commission, Barr. Chukwuka Ezewuzie, who spoke on behalf of others thanked the governor for uplifting the plights of the disability community through the provision of employment, enactment of disability rights law, and others.
