News
Anambra govt says Eke Awgbu road accident not caused by state revenue officers, expresses sympathy, condolences
The Government of Anambra State has denied allegations of activities of its revenue agents being responsible for the recent tragic road accident involving a trailer and other vehicles that sadly caused loss of lives at the Eke Awgbu area of the state.
While also expressing its sympathy and condolences to the victims and families affected by the unfortunate incident, the government categorically debunks the baseless and malicious claims being circulated by certain opposition elements suggesting that the accident was caused by revenue agents of the state, derogatorily referred to as “Soludo Boys.” These assertions are found to be false and unsubstantiated.
Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, in a statement sent to Nationwide Reports, said preliminary investigation has been conducted by the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, and the findings indicates that the accident was caused by a trailer carrying cement that experienced brake failure while descending the slope at Eke Awgbu, leading to the tragic crash.
“This is a matter of mechanical failure and not the result of any actions by state revenue agents, as falsely alleged.
“It is deeply regrettable that instead of focusing on the real issues and contributing to public safety, certain desperate opposition figures have continued to exploit tragic incidents for political gain by peddling propaganda against the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.
“Drivers are hereby advised to always observe safe driving practices, especially on how to handle slopes descent, the dangers of driving under the influence, alcohol, the importance of avoiding distractions such as mobile phone usage while driving, and the necessity of regular vehicle maintenance checks, are crucial for preventing such tragedies in the future.
“The Soludo administration remains committed to improving the safety and well-being of all Anambra State residents, and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our roads are safe and that such incidents are minimised through proactive measures and public education campaigns,” Aburime stated.
Nationwide Reports recall that the fatal road traffic crash which involved a truck loaded with cement occurred on Tuesday at Green Energy Oil and Gas filling station at Eke Awgbu in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State, killing five people.
The truck belonging to BUA, with no registration number, hit many vehicles as the driver lost control and eventually crashed.
A commercial tricycle with registration number: NZH84LG, a commercial QLINK motorcycle with registration number OLU245QV and a private Honda motorcycle with no registration number, were involved in the accident.
Reacting to the accident, Ag Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in Anambra State, Margaret Onabe confirmed that five people, four males and one female, were killed instantly, while the injured persons were taken to hospital for treatment.
According to Onabe, the probable cause of the fatal road traffic crash was either excessive speed or brake failure.
Onabe in a statement said: “According to an eyewitness, the driver of the truck was on speed, had a brake failure, lost control of the vehicle, and collided with the other vehicles at a checkpoint and crashed.
“Eleven persons were involved in the crash comprising nine male adults, and two female adults. Five male adults and one female adult sustained varying degrees of injury, while four male adults and one female adult were killed.”
She said that before the arrival of the FRSC rescue team from RS5.35 Igboukwu, the injured victims were already rushed to the Referral Health Centre, Awgbu by passersby, while the dead victims were deposited at St Joseph’s Hospital mortuary, Adazi.
She added that the rescue team had managed the traffic in the area by ensuring that the obstruction caused by the crash was cleared.
The Sector Commander FRSC, Adeoye Irelewuyi, has commiserated with the families of the dead victims and urged motorists to exercise restrained while driving.
News
Generator fumes suspected for death of UNN students
Strong indications has emerged that the use of a generator in a poorly ventilated environment may have caused the death of some students of the University of Nigeria, Nssuka.
The suspicion emerged after a survivor of the incident disclosed that a generator was operating outside the corridor of the apartment where they gathered, while the doors and windows remained shut.
According to the 24-year-old survivor, an Art Education student, about 10 people attended the party organised by his friend, David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.
The gathering reportedly started around 11:30 a.m. at the host’s residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, with participants sharing alcoholic drinks and playing Truth or Dare.
Recounting his experience, the survivor said he suddenly lost consciousness after helping one of the participants who had vomited and returning to clean the floor.
He disclosed that his legs had become stiff and he could no longer walk before eventually passing out. The student said he regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., only to discover that his friends were lying motionless on the floor.
“When I regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., I heard someone saying that the host was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he recounted.
He said he subsequently contacted friends for assistance, before one of them eventually helped convey the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.
The survivor further explained that the apartment was poorly ventilated, with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was running outside in the corridor. A fan was also operating inside the room.
News
Speed Darlington begs Burna Boy to drop case
Nigerian singer, Darlington Okoye popularly known as Speed Darlington, has apologised to Grammy-winning musician, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, asking him to withdraw the charges against him and promising to stop making comments about his sexuality.
Speed Darlington made the appeal in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, in which he expressed regret over the pain and embarrassment he might have caused the singer.
“This video is for Burna Boy. Burna, this is an apology video. I apologise for any pain that I have caused you. Any shame that I have caused you,” he said.
The singer admitted that he was wrong to assume that everyone had the same temperament, adding that he wanted an end to their disagreement.
“I made the mistake of thinking that everybody vibrates at the same frequency. That’s wrong of me. I apologise, Burna Boy,” he added.
He further pledged to refrain from making both direct and indirect comments about Burna Boy’s sexuality, making the withdrawal of the charges a condition for his promise.
“I give you my word that if you withdraw all charges and let everything die, I give you my word that I will never make any direct comment regarding your sexuality. “Even indirect comment. I will no longer try sustain. I give you my word. Let peace reign,” he said.
Speed Darlington also promised not to mention the singer’s name again if the legal dispute was resolved.
“I promise I will never use my mouth to mention your name,” he added.
News
Why I left Peter Obi- Yinusa Tanko
Yinusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, says he experienced a betrayal of trust and loyalty in Peter Obi’s camp, which led to his exit from the movement.
Tanko spoke on Thursday shortly after his unveiling as the coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign council.
Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), appointed Tanko as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024, following a consensus to zone the position to the north.
He was later redeployed as Obi’s political adviser (north), a position he held until October 30, when he resigned.
However, Tanko said he never wanted to leave Obi’s camp, insisting that he was pushed out rather than choosing to exit the movement.
Tanko said although he appreciated the opportunity to serve Obi, he could not remain in a political group where his contributions were no longer valued.
“Well, you know, as you move along in politics, there may be a time when your group does not want you, does not need you or does not appreciate what you do,” he said.
“You don’t stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated.
“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. But the only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty.”
Tanko said he served the former Anambra governor with diligence, honesty and integrity, adding that he still held him in high regard despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“Everybody knows that I have served with diligence, determination, honesty and integrity. That was how I served Peter Obi, and I continue to respect him,” he said.
“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride.”
Asked whether Obi would be pleased to see him in another political party, Tanko said he could not determine what was on the former governor’s mind.
“You cannot say what is on his mind; only he can speak for himself,” he said.
He added that his new political associates had recognised his contributions to nation-building and offered him another opportunity to serve.
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