By Augustus Bill
It was an exhilarating news and season of Miracle for members of Asscociation of Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD), as the Sickle Cell Bill being sponsored by Hons. Charles Ezeani, Obinna Emenaka, and Charles Okafor scaled through second reading on the floor of the Anambra state Assembly.
The motion of the bill was moved by Hon. Charles Ezeani of Aniocha 2 Constituency, and was unanimously welcomed by the members of the State House of Assembly who concurred that it was high time Persons living with sickle cell disorder felt a sense of belonging. The bill was sent to the Committee of Health for further review and onward recommendations, and is expected back to the floor of the house in a couple of weeks for further deliberation and passage into law.
However, the Coordinator of APLSCD, Aisha Edward who spoke to the press over the weekend regarding the bill, expressed Joy and Satisfaction at the pace at which the bill is moving and appreciated the kind efforts of the Hon.Speaker Hon.Rita Maduagwuna and the Distinguished members of the Assembly who were fighting the cause of the Association on the floors of the house.
Aisha stated, that the law when enacted shall not only provide a new lease of Life and succour but also a strong shield from the neglect and maltreatment meted on her members by the society. She said that the news of the Bill passing second reading, could not have come at a better time than now when the association was still celebrating the recent appointment of Rev. Fr. Obiora Okeke as the chaplain of persons living with sickle cell disorders.
In his reactions, the Chaplain of the Sickle Cell Association, Fr. Okeke expressed optimism with glee and hope that the Sickle Cell fight was yielding fruits and in no distant time the scourge would be purged out of the society. He thanked the Members of the State House of Assembly for their gallant strides in ensuring that the Sickle Cell Law stands in Anambra State.
He however stated that the Law was dear to the State, as this was happening in a concerned Administration, since Gov. Willie Obiano has earlier stated his strong stand in stamping out the disorder from the State, which will set the Pace for the rest to follow.
