Commercial activities were totally put to a halt for about five hours in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Wednesday October 23, 2013 when over 500 physically challenged persons in the state took to major streets in a peaceful protest accusing the Imo state government of non-payment of monthly subventions and allowances as well as marginalization of its members in political appointments.

The protesters who blocked the popular and important warehouse- Orlu road junction within the Owerri metropolis insisted on staying on the road for a week until the state government acts on their demands, in a protest that is being staged for the second time in 8 months, blocking major streets in Owerri metropolis.

The protest however was relaxed due to the intervention of the Imo state deputy governor, Eze Madumere who pleaded with them and assured the protesters that the state government under the leadership of Governor Rochas Okorocha will do everything possible to solve their grievances before the end of the week.

The protesters who were not deterred with the plight and complaints of motorists and passengers insisted on staying on the road till about one week until the state government acts on their demands as they have tried all possible means to meet with the state government on these matters but all to no avail.

However, it took the intervention of the Imo state Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere and the Imo state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Katsina who persuaded the protesters and assured them of the State government commitment in ensuring that they put an end to the lingering issues they have raised.

The physically challenged people however promised to resume their protest in a week’s time if the state government does not tackle the issues raised.