Persons With Disabilities in Bayelsa have demanded inclusion in benefits accruing to oil-host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act. They made the demand during a courtesy visit on King Wapaebiama Amakiri of Obhal-Emeyal Clan in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state. The PWDs' coordinator, Mr. Philip Godfrey, said they had been excluded from the Host Community Development Trust Fund benefit structure.
According to Godfrey, there had previously been no Act obligating their inclusion in the benefit structure of the Host Community Development Trust Fund. He commended the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities and Ford Foundation for making the advocacy movement possible. Godfrey said PWDs had been excluded, discriminated against, and disconnected for a very long time, despite the PIA being in existence for about five years.
Godfrey stated that pollution did not discriminate against anyone and that it affected PWDs more than able-bodied persons. He said PWDs had been excluded for too long and that it was not supposed to be so. The coordinator added that the law had created an opportunity for PWDs to make their voices heard. According to him, PWDs should benefit from oil exploration because some of them came from oil-producing communities and also suffered the effects of pollution.
Godfrey emphasized that PWDs were not feeling among, and if they were feeling the pain, they should also feel the benefits of oil exploration. He said some PWDs came from oil-producing communities and suffered the effects of pollution. The PWDs' coordinator stressed that it was essential for them to be included in the benefits.
Responding, King Amakiri said the world had come to recognize that disability did not mean incapacitation. He added that PWDs were disabled but capable. Amakiri said the setback associated with disability should no longer be used as a disadvantage against persons living with disabilities.
Amakiri stated that gone were the days when PWDs were regarded as beggars on the streets, and that they could contribute meaningfully to societal development. He said that, if given the right opportunity, PWDs could contribute meaningfully to the development of society. Amakiri promised to discuss the issue with fellow traditional rulers in charge of oil-producing communities in the clan.
The traditional ruler said they would deliberate on the issue at their meeting, noting that oil pollution affected both able-bodied persons and PWDs. The discussion aims to find a solution to the PWDs' demand for inclusion in the benefits. The Petroleum Industry Act has been in existence for about five years, and the PWDs are seeking to benefit from it.
Key points
- PWDs in Bayelsa demand inclusion in oil-host community benefits under the Petroleum Industry Act.
- The PWDs claim they have been excluded from the Host Community Development Trust Fund benefit structure.
- The traditional ruler, King Amakiri, promises to discuss the issue with fellow traditional rulers in charge of oil-producing communities.
