THERE was a mild drama on Thursday, as about 200 physically-challenged persons stormed the front gate of the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa to protest against what they alleged as the insensitivity of the state Governor, Seriake Dickson to their welfare.

At around 8 pm, residents of the area started noticing the influx of some disabled persons into the Government House Area, who a little after 10 am formed a barricade around the gate.

Some Security personnel, including soldiers, policemen and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, NSCDC who came to the gate tried to dissuade the protesters without success.

When The Guardian visited the scene, the protesters expressed anger and frustration over what they alleged is the shoddy treatment being meted to them by the state governor, every time they approach him for support.

A visibly furious wheelchair-bound, lady who spoke with The Guardian on the matter, albeit on condition of anonymity alleged that the governor has always being impervious to pleas and representation made to him in the past, over matters concerning the less privileged in the state.

‘’All we are asking for is for a monthly stipend of about N5000 each. However, the governor has always been aloof when it comes to our matter.”

However, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dan Khikile, told The Guardian that the disabled group have been economical
with the truth.

‘’All the allegations are completely false as the state government has always taken into consideration the plight of the physically challenged in its plans and actions.”