Ex-lepers in Delta State, yesterday, stormed the state Government House gate in Asaba demanding a review of their monthly stipends from N8,000 to N25,000.

They stormed the state’s seat of power two buses.

They displayed placards with different inscriptions to represent their colleagues in the colony at Tuberculosis and Leprosy Hospital/Settlement in Eku, Ethiope East Council of the state.

Leader of the group, Mr. Eruekaye Russia, said their present stipend was no longer tenable in an economy of hyperinflation.

According to him, the administration of James Ibori approved the N8,000 allowance for ex-lepers, which was reduced to N3,900 by the Emmanuel Uduaghan administration but raised to N8,000 by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa.

He said: “The N8,000 is too small. Things are very costly and because of our nature, the majority of us are not working. We are really suffering and we want the state to help us.

“If the economy is rough for healthy ones, how much more those afflicted with leprosy.

“The budget of the state should be able to accommodate our needs. We know Okowa has a meek heart to make life more comfortable for our members,” Russia said.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Community Development, Mrs Flora Alanta, who stood in for Okowa, assured the protesters of better days ahead as the government was already looking into their plight.

She commended them for their peaceful conduct.