JONAPWD Mobilises Members, Demands Urgent Intervention in Enugu Disability Commission Crisis

The Enugu State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has declared a full mobilisation of persons with disabilities across the 17 local government areas of the state to defend the effective operation of the Enugu State Persons with Disabilities Commission.

The association made the declaration in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Meshack Adibe, on Sunday, following its 2nd Executive Committee Meeting for 2026 held in Enugu.

JONAPWD said it was concerned about what it described as a worsening administrative crisis within the Commission, warning that internal power struggles could undermine the institution established to protect and promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.

The Commission was established by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah in November 2025, with JONAPWD saying it was created to serve more than 200,000 persons with disabilities in Enugu State through programmes covering rights protection, welfare, empowerment and inclusion.

The association condemned what it described as acts of “insubordination, usurpation of authority, or unilateral actions” capable of undermining the Commission’s Governing Board and the law establishing the institution.

It also called on individuals or groups allegedly sponsoring or supporting the ongoing leadership tussle to withdraw and allow the Commission to function in accordance with its mandate.

JONAPWD appealed to Governor Mbah, stakeholders and relevant government agencies to urgently intervene by providing clear operational guidelines and restoring what it described as discipline, accountability and coordination within the Commission.

The association said its concerns were not about who occupies a particular office, but about ensuring that the institution delivers on its mandate to persons with disabilities.

According to the group, key priorities include accessibility, employment and empowerment, healthcare, education, social protection, rehabilitation, dignity and equal participation.

While declaring its loyalty to the Mbah administration and its vision of an inclusive Enugu State, JONAPWD said its planned mobilisation would be peaceful, lawful and courageous.

“Our message is simple,” the statement said. “From the 17 LGAs, our voices shall rise. Not in violence, but peaceful, lawful and courageous.”

The association further warned that the disability community would resist any development it believes could undermine the purpose for which the Commission was established.

It urged all parties involved in the administrative dispute to put aside personal interests and ensure that the Commission becomes fully operational for the benefit of persons with disabilities across the state.