13th August, 2010
Disabled athletes in Rivers State yesterday stormed the Government House, Port Harcourt, in their wheelchairs, crutches and walking sticks, protesting the non-payment of their allowances and neglect by the government of Rotimi Amaechi.
The leader of the Special Sports team, Sunday Agbeye said they were at the Government House to protest to the governor over the non-payment of their allowances which had subjected them to hardship at the camp for the National Sports Festival, which the state will host later this year.
The Permanent Secretary, Government House, Oguru Fortune Oguru, who addressed the athletes, said the government places premium to sports development because its serves as a unifying factor, which is necessary for the development of any society.
He noted that Governor Amaechi has respect for the special athletes, who are made up of physically challenged citizens.
He promised to contact the consultant handling their affairs and brief the governor accordingly.
—Okafor Ofiebor/P/H