News

Alleged Assault: Lawyers dump bolt driver for apologizing to Abia Reps member

Published

8 mins ago

November 8, 2024

By Francesca Hangeior

The team of lawyers representing Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja based bolt driver that was allegedly assaulted by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, have withdrawn from his case.

The withdrawal, came barely 24 hours after the driver made a volte farce by tendering an apology to his alleged assaulter who had since been docked in court by the police over his action.

Hon. Ikwechegh was arraigned after he had admitted that he manhandled the e-hailing cab driver and apologized for his unbecoming conduct.

However, in view of the recent turn of events in the matter, Abuwatseye’s lawyers said they were no longer ready to offer legal services to him.

A statement dated November 8, signed by Zainab M. Otega of Deji Adeyanju & Partners and titled: “PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED ASSAULT OF MR. STEPHEN ABUWATSEYE: WITHDRAWAL OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION,” read:

“We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye.

“On October 28, 2024, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye walked into our law firm, visibly distressed, and sought redress over an alleged assault. Following his complaint, and having verified his claim, we took steps to protect Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye’s rights, on pro bono basis, culminating in the arraignment of the alleged assaulter.

“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.

“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”

News

Olaiya Flyover Bridge In Osun Closed Temporarily

Published

36 mins ago

November 8, 2024

Naijablitznews

The popular Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, has been closed temporarily.

According to reports, this closure is to allow for the installation of barriers at the bridge’s entrance to prevent heavy trucks from using the bridge.

Inside Osogbo shared the updates on social media, urging motorists and other road users to exercise patience along the axis.

The blog wrote: “ATTENTION: The popular Ọlà-Ìyá Bridge is currently closed to give way for the installation of barriers at the entrance of the bridge to disallow heavy duty trucks from using the bridge. Motorists and other road users are enjoined to exercise patience along this axis.Kindly rebroadcast

The Olaiya Bridge was constructed by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Recently, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun accused the state government of planning to demolish the iconic flyover bridge.

However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied these allegations and banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the flyover.

News

NUJ FCT SEC Directs Members to Ignore Boycott Call by Ousted Chairman Osadebamwen

Published

1 hour ago

November 8, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has called on members to disregard a boycott order issued by Patrick Osadebamwen and Ochiaka Ugwu, referred to as former officials without authority.

In a joint statement signed by key chapel leaders, the SEC accused the duo of spreading false information to undermine preparations for the NUJ FCT Council elections scheduled for December 4, 2024.

The SEC emphasized that the sale of nomination forms is being conducted by the legitimate Credentials Committee, in line with the union’s constitution.

The statement reads: “The Credentials Committee operates under the constitution and has been cleared by the National Secretariat. It is independent of state and national officers, as stipulated in Article 5(9C)”.

The SEC clarified that Osadebamwen and Ugwu were impeached during a Congress held on October 19, 2024, and have no legal standing within the union, and urged members interested in contesting positions to obtain nomination forms from the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, starting November 8.

The council dismissed the boycott directive from the impeached individuals as baseless, describing their actions as “illegitimate, illegal, and void”, and reassured members that security agencies have been informed of the impeachment and urged members to carry out their union activities without fear of intimidation.

“We will not engage in public exchanges or inflammatory rhetoric, despite provocations,” the SEC stated, reaffirming its focus on protecting the union’s integrity.

The statement was endorsed by several chapel leaders, including:

– Jide Oyekunle, Chairman, NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel

– Yahaya Ndambabo, Chairman, VON Chapel

– Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, Chairman, FCTA Chapel

– Collins Yakubu-Hammer, NAN Chapel

– Onuh Holina, Chairman, Aso Radio/TV Chapel

The SEC reiterated its call for unity and adherence to constitutional procedures, concluding: “For the union makes us strong.”

News

Drama As Abuja Bolt Driver Makes U-turn, Apologises To Abia Rep, Alex Ikwechegh

Published

2 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Naijablitznews

An Abuja Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya has apologised to the Abia federal lawmaker, Alex Ikwechegh who assaulted him.

Abuwatseya said his provocative utterances caused a misunderstanding with Ikwechegh.

He asked Nigerians for forgiveness.

In a video released on Thursday, the Bolt driver urged Nigerians to move on from the incident.

He said: “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.

“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.

“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”

On October 28, the House of Representatives member representing Aba North/South of Abia State, assaulted the Bolt driver while he was delivering a package at his residence in Abuja.

In the footage, the lawmaker repeatedly slapped and insulted the driver.

Ikwechegh also threatened to make the Bolt driver disappear from Nigeria.

He was subsequently arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory where he pleaded not guilty.