Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – 

A statement from the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, stated that the action of the protesters, who came from one out of the eight colonies that the state government is catering for, was uncalled for.

According to the statement, the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi  Okowa, had approved the payment of their stipends and the process of getting the money released in line with official procedures was on before the action took place. 

Mr. Ukah, who noted that contrary to reports in a section of the media that the approval for the payment of the stipends came as a result of the protest, said the approval had been given awaiting release of cash. 

The statement revealed that the protesters, who came from Eku resettlement centre in Ethiope East Local Government Area, are fed together with members of their families and get their stipends, unlike those in the other seven centres who only receive stipends. 
The Commissioner for Information said that the reduction in their stipends is as a result of the prevailing economic realities on the ground based on the serious short fall on revenue allocation. 

He advised the ex lepers to be of good behaviour in the future as the state government will fulfill its obligations towards them.

It could be recalled that the aggrieved leppers, who spoke through the chairman of the People Affected by Leprosy (PAL), Lucky Egbo, had on Monday, 8th August, laid siege to the premises of the ministry, with household items like stoves, pots, plates and mats, urging the state government to pay up the seven months arrears and revert to the daily meal status quo.

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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – 
E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka