Udenu Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman, Aka Eze Aka, has issued a detailed clarification in response to allegations of discrimination against workers with disabilities during the ongoing verification and clearance exercise for local government employees in Enugu State.
The allegations, raised by Dr. Mrs. Obioma Eze, one of the respected citizens of Udenu, suggested that the verification process unfairly marginalized persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly citing the case of Miss Ake Grace, a Local Government worker. However, Aka has categorically refuted these claims, stating that the exercise is a statewide initiative aimed at promoting accountability, fairness, and transparency in the payroll system.
In a rejoinder personally authored by the Chairman, the ongoing verification exercise is part of a statewide initiative designed to address payroll irregularities, including fraud, falsified records, and ghost workers. Mr. Aka emphasized that the process applies uniformly to all Local Government workers without prejudice or bias against any group, including persons with disabilities.
“This verification exercise is not targeted at persons with disabilities, nor is it an attempt to marginalize any specific group of workers,” the chairman stated. “It is a standard accountability measure aimed at ensuring a clean, accurate, and transparent payroll system.”
Responding to the specific case of Miss Ake Grace, Mr. Aka clarified that no worker had been labeled “irrelevant to the Government.” He explained that all workers, including those with disabilities, are required to undergo the verification process to ensure they meet the documentation requirements. He assured that workers who comply with the process, including those with disabilities, are duly reinstated on the payroll.
“The Government recognizes the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities and has ensured that such workers are not excluded from the process. If any worker faces challenges, the appropriate authorities are available to address such cases on a case-by-case basis to ensure fairness,” Aka added.
Mr. Aka highlighted that the initial deadline for the verification exercise, set for November 18, 2024, was extended to December 13, 2024, to accommodate workers who required additional time to complete the process. He stated that this extension was a demonstration of the government’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity, ensuring no worker was unfairly excluded.
The Chairman reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the welfare of all workers, particularly those with unique challenges. He dismissed the notion that workers with disabilities were being unfairly treated, calling it a misrepresentation of the facts.
“Local government Chairmen, including myself, have been actively involved in this exercise to ensure that all genuine workers, regardless of their physical condition, are cleared and placed back on the payroll,” Aka stated.
Aka also appreciated Dr. Mrs. Eze for speaking up against what she perceived was not right, and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue over emotionally charged rhetoric that could misrepresent the facts.
“Constructive engagement is far more effective than misinformation,” he said. “We remain open to dialogue and are committed to working with advocacy groups to protect the welfare of all local government workers.”
© AkaEzeAka Media Team.
