From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Persons Afflicted with leprosy (PAL) in Delta State on Tuesday demanded over 100 percent increase in their monthly stipends.
In a peaceful protest to Government House, Asaba, the ex-lepers asked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to raise the stipend from N8,000 to N25,000 per month.
Leader of the group, Mr. Eruekaye Russia said the present stipend was no longer tenable in an economy of hyper inflation.
According to him, the administration of James Ibori graciously approved N8,000 allowance for the ex-lepers which was reviewed downward to N3,900 by the Emmanuel Uduaghan administration but stepped up to N8,000 by Okowa.
“The N8,000 is too small. Things are very costly, and because of our nature, majority of us are not working. We are really suffering and we want the state to help us.
“If the economy is rough for the healthy ones, how much more we afflicted with leprosy.
“The budget of the state should be able to accommodate our needs. We know Governor Okowa has a meek heart to make life more comfortable for our members,” Russia said.
Addressing the protesters, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Community Development, Mrs. Flora Alanta assured the protesters of better days ahead as government was already looking into their plight.
She commended them for the peaceful protest.
Our correspondent understands that the ex-lepers who came in two buses represented their colleagues in the colony at the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Hospital/Settlement in Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.