By Ruth Yeabu Sesay
The Secretary of Help Empower Polio Persons Organization PWD Chapter, Pademba Road, Freetown, Yayah Sheku Sheriff says they are looking forward to a peaceful, transparent and credible election which is free of violence.
Sheriff told Politico that as people who are physically challenged, they could be adversely affected in the event of violence, and said they hope whosoever emerges as winner should be accepted, and allowed to continue with the development of Sierra Leone.
He called on the Government and Non-Governmental Organizations to assist them with shelter and jobs, pointing out that some of them are educated and do have technical training but claimed discrimination is a challenge to them.
Sheriff said despite talks about inclusivity, they still face challenges and called for capacity-building of their members.
He stated that all of them are associated with different political parties but they co-exist peacefully and do things in common.
He expressed their satisfaction about the Free Education Programme by the government which he said has helped ease the financial burden on them as parents.
Sheriff advised that people should cast their votes in a very peaceful manner, go home and wait for announcement of the results, which he emphasized should be accepted, regardless of who wins.
He made it abundantly clear that he will not support any form of violence as they are at a disadvantage when there is unrest in the land because some of them neither have feet nor hands and if the people who normally help them run away, then they are doomed.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (21/06/23)
