Ahead 2023 General Elections: Albino Group Appeals To politicians

IKPO IGBINOBA 

As the country prepares for the 2023 General Elections, a group championing the cause of albinos is appealing to politicians to develop policies that would address their challenges. 

Coordinator of the Proudly Albino Network, Princess Esther Abbey who made the appeal in Lagos on Monday said albinos had been treated with disdain by successive governments.

According to her “Governments at different levels have deliberately turned a blind eye to the plight of the albinos. 

“In spite of the enormous challenges we face on a daily basis, Governments which should have protected us behave as if we do not exist”.

Princess Abbey lamented that at the moment, Nigeria is the worst country in the world to live in as an albino.

“As at today, Nigeria is the most hostile country in the world for the albino to live. We suffer discrimination at home and in the community. Employers do not even want to set their eyes on us. In Nigeria, it is almost a crime to be an albino.

“We can’t access even little loans for business and a whole lot of issues.

“Today, the poorest group in Nigeria are the albinos and the reason for it is simple. Opportunities for us are limited.

Princess Abbey acknowledged the efforts of the Jonathan administration to address some of the challenges faced by the albino.

She said “Only former president, Dr.Goodluck Jonathan considered the plight of the albino and addressed an aspect of the health needs.

“But since the advent of this government, those in power have forgotten everything about us”.

The coordinator  then made a passionate appeal to the politicians who are warming up for the 2023 General Elections.

“Since the present governments at the federal and state levels treat us like we do not exist, I seize this opportunity to appeal to the politicians who are preparing for the 2023 elections to have a place in their hearts for the albino. 

“In their policies and programmes, they should consider the albino. We are not asking for too much, we should be given same opportunities like other members of society. 

“They, the politicians who will eventually take over from the present leaders should ensure through legislation that our challenges are addressed”

“They should change this pathetic narrative that Nigeria is the worst country for the albino to live in”.