A group of citizens under the disability umbrella, said, they are vexed. For being so vexed, the group has meanwhile, called for the dismissal of National Commission on Disability (NCD) Acting Executive Director over corruption allegations.
Some members of the groups are so enraged that they have planed a sit-in-action at the Executive Mansion.
The accused is Aaron Wright, who rejected the corruption claim.
The Center for Disabilities Rights Incorporated (CEDRI), and the Professional Advocates for Disabilities Inclusion (PADI) have called for the immediate dismissal of Aaron Wright from his position as Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD).
The groups have raised serious concerns regarding allegations of corruption, lack of qualifications, and neglect of the needs of persons with disabilities under Wright’s leadership.
At a press conference in Paynesville on Monday, August 17, the groups stated that Wright does not meet the criteria established by the NCD as a disabled person.
The Act stipulates that the executive director, and deputy executive directors of the Commission must be individuals with disabilities, or specialists in the field of disability affairs.
On the contrary, Wright neither identifies as a person with a disability, nor possesses recognized qualifications in disability rights, or administration.
“The prolonged tenure of Wright in an acting capacity is a complete violation of the Act that established the Commission.”
They group underscored the urgent need for competent leadership that will genuinely represents the interests of persons with disabilities.
The call for Wright’s dismissal follows the suspension of the former executive director Samuel Dean, who was removed amid corruption allegations.
Advocacy groups are concerned that the lack of transparency, and accountability has fostered an environment of dysfunction, and neglect within the Commission. CEDRI, and PADI reported that under Wright’s administration, there has been a recruitment drive for more than ten consultants, most of whom do not have disabilities.
Duana Dolleh, the group’s spokesperson, disclosed the procurement of a bus that is inaccessible to individuals with certain disabilities, and the relocation of the NCD headquarters to a facility lacking adequate accessibility features.
Dolleh also expressed concern over the expenditure of over US$30,000 on a six-county tour.
The Group questioned the effectiveness of such spending when fundamental service delivery issues remain unresolved.
“We are left questioning whether the Commission’s leadership truly understands, and prioritizes the needs of the community it is mandated to serve.”
The disability groups have announced a peaceful sit-in scheduled for August 31, at the Executive Mansion to draw the attention to the leadership crisis at the NCD.
In response to these allegations, Wright rejected the claims.
“I’m a social worker inclusion specialist, who work in the NGO sector in the United States of America for more than 24 years, as such, I have the ability to run the Commission on Disabilities.
“I undertook a county tour when I was appointed to assess the living conditions of our people, because it is a government we are running. The living conditions of people with disabilities in rural areas are not encouraging.”
