Lepers in Delta demand a review of their N8,000 stipend.

By Adeleye Kunle

LEPERS in Delta State embarked on a peaceful protest yesterday on the platform of Persons Affected by Leprosy, PAL, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from N8,000 to N25,000.

Ex-lepers stormed the State Government House gate in two buses, carrying placards with various inscriptions to express their displeasure.

Mr Eruekaye Russia, who led the protesters, said they were representatives of their colleagues in the colony at the tuberculosis and leprosy hospital/settlement in Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.

Eruekaye lamented that the current N8,000 stipend was no longer tenable in a hyperinflationary economy, claiming that former Governor James Ibori approved the N8,000 allowance for them during his tenure.

He lamented that the previous administration reduced the N8,000 to N3,900, but Governor Ifeanyi Okowa increased it to N8,000.

“The N8,000 is too small,” he said. Things are very expensive, and the majority of us do not work because of our nature. We are in pain and want the government to assist us.

“If the economy is difficult for the healthy, how much more so for those of us with leprosy?”

“The state’s budget should be able to meet our needs.” We know Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has a soft heart and wants to make life easier for our members.

Mrs Flora Alanta, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Community Development, addressed the protesters and said the state government was already looking into their plight. She assured the protesters of better days ahead and praised them for their peaceful protest.

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