…Says Oluyole Chesire School Not For Sale
The Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Disability Matters, Hon. Timothy Olufemi, has warned the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, to stop using persons with disabilities as political tools.
In a statement made available to MOUTHPIECE NGR on Wednesday, Olufemi said persons with disabilities (PWDs) deserve dignity, respect, inclusion and empowerment, not political manipulation or unverified allegations.
He was reacting to allegation that Governor Makinde intends to sell Oluyole Cheshire School and Home.
“I am deeply concerned about the allegation that Governor Seyi Makinde intends to sell Oluyole Cheshire School and Home. Such a serious claim deserves to be treated responsibly, especially because it concerns a facility associated with the welfare and well-being of persons with disabilities,” he said.
Olufemi said he personally visited the school to establish facts, and the principal, staff and management told him they had no information that the facility was going to be sold.
“Based on the information I received during my visit, I consider the allegation misleading and call on those spreading it to provide credible evidence,” he said.
He added: “I find it difficult to believe that a respected elder and political leader like Baba wa, Oba Senator Sharafadeen Alli, would support the use of persons with disabilities as instruments of political propaganda. If this allegation is being circulated by people associated with his camp, I urge them to clarify the matter and present verifiable facts rather than allow uncertainty and fear to spread.”
Olufemi stressed that the welfare of PWDs must never become a weapon in political battles.
“Rather than using persons with disabilities as subjects of political controversy, I urge political leaders across party lines to focus on practical actions that improve our lives,” he said.
He listed employment opportunities, empowerment programmes, political inclusion and policies that protect dignity and rights as what PWDs need.
He acknowledged efforts attributed to Governor Makinde in promoting inclusion of PWDs through employment, empowerment and representation.
“We do not want to be used as political pawns. We want to be partners in development, active participants in governance, and equal members of society,” Olufemi said.
“Ẹ má ṣe lo àwọn akanda gẹ́gẹ́ bí ohun èlò ìṣèlú. Láti yí wa bọ́ sínú eré òṣèlú kì í ṣe ìrànlọ́wọ́ fún wa! Let our leaders demonstrate commitment through meaningful contributions, genuine empowerment, inclusive employment and equal opportunities — not through rhetoric or unsubstantiated allegations.”
“Our dignity is not negotiable. Our welfare is not a campaign tool,” he added.
