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FCT poll: Abaji PDP chieftains harbouring thugs, APC alleges

…We didn’t harbor any thugs–PDP

By Abubakar Sadiq Isah

The Abaji Area Council chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused some chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the area of harbouring thugs in their homes in order to attack APC supporters during the April, 9 council elections.

In a petition signed by the APC State Legal Adviser, Barrister Haruna Yakubu Gana, the party alleged that the PDP has deployed thugs from neighboring Nassarawa and Kogi states.

The petition which was copied to the National Headquarters of APC, FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, FCT Police Commissioner, FCT Director of State Security Service (SSS), Abaji Divisional Police Officer (DPO), further alleged that the police have failed to bring to book those who attacked their members with machetes and killed one person recently in Abaji.

“And what is even more worrisome is that these persons who attempted murder and even murdered one of the APC members are still moving freely on the streets and have continued to boast that nothing will happen to them,” the party alleged.

The party, therefore, appealed to the authorities concerned to use their good offices to bring the perpetrators to book while also urging security agencies to investigate the alleged harbouring of thugs in some houses of PDP chieftains in the area.

But the chairman of the PDP in the area, Alhaji Idris Gana, while reacting to the allegations, denied harbouring any thugs describing the allegations as baseless.

He said there was no time the PDP has engaged thugs from neighboring states, saying the party has always being carrying out their campaigns and political rallies peacefully across the council since campaign activities began over a month ago.

“It is ridiculous that the APC who are known right from 2010 election for making trouble are the ones accusing the PDP of harbouring thugs. By the way, who are those that invaded the chairman’s house to destroy properties? Who are those that attacked the PDP secretary and set some campaign offices ablaze?” He asked.

JCI donates delivery kits to pregnant women at Paikon-Kore

By Abubakar Sadiq Isah

The Joint Chamber International (JCIA), a Non-Governmental Organization Aso (NGO), on has donated delivery kits and mosquito treated nets to pregnant women at Paikon-Kore community in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja.

National President of JCI A, Mr. Olatunji Oyeyemi, while presenting the items, said the organization works with the government and communities as well as civil society organizations to support women improve their health.

Also speaking, the president of JCIA in FCT, Mr. Orimoloye Oulwaseyi, said the organization had previously worked in five communities in Kujein collaboration with Millenium Decvelopment Goals (MDGs) office in the FCT.

“So we are trying to support the whole world on how to reduce maternal mortality rate in the country, and by doing so, we look at it by starting from our local communities where some pregnant housewives can’t even afford N2,00 delivery kits,” he said.

A beneficiary, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, commended the organization for bringing succor to them, saying the gesture will go a long way in reducing challenges most housewives face during delivery.

“And apart from the free ante-natal, any time I am going to the hospital, I always find it difficult to get money to buy drugs whenever doctor prescribed drugs, which I am very happy with the support of this NGO,” she said.

Abduction: FCTA tasks parents on pupils’ safety

By Ben Atonko

The FCT Education Secretariat has condemned the abduction of a Primary 2 pupil of the Chinese Assisted Primary school in Karu with a charge to parents to take safety of their children seriously.

The Assistant Director in charge of information, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye in a statement over the weekend announced that the boy was released by his abductors.

He called on parents and guardians to ensure the safety of their children on their way to school and when returning home, stressing that the child was not abducted on the school premises.

Ogunleye maintained that adequate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of pupils in all the public schools in FCT.

He explained, “It must be said that while efforts for the release of this child were ongoing, it came to our attention that the general perception orchestrated by media reports was that he was abducted on the school premises, thereby giving the impression that our schools and students were not safe.

“Nothing could be far from the truth. It must be mentioned that the child was not abducted on the school premises.

“In reality, he was abducted after school hours on his way home. The Education Secretariat has always paid premium attention to the security of our schools and our students.

“While we are doing our best to ensure the security of the students in our custody during school hours, we must emphasize that parents and guardians have the responsibility of ensuring their children’s safety on the way to school and when returning home,” Ogunleye stressed.

Uber launches Abuja transport service

By Terkula Igidi

Uber, an innovative technology platform, which offers efficient transport services in major cities across Africa, has launched its services in Abuja.

In a statement made available to City News, Ebi Atawodi, General Manager Uber, Lagos, said “Abuja is the 400th city to join the list of smart transportation hubs in Africa. Following the success of Uber in many other cities, Uber is excited to launch its ride-sharing platform to the people of Abuja.

“Uber’s innovative platform connects drivers with riders in real time, at the touch of a button. Whether you’re going to work or going out with friends, Uber provides an affordable, safe and reliable way to get across the city. Abuja is a place where entrepreneurs are born, it is a growing city in the heart of Nigeria. This is a reason why Uber loves Abuja – its people, energy, innovation and beauty really speak for itself.”

The statement also said that the technology driven services offers a friendly and reliable complement to existing transport options. “We can help improve urban mobility in Abuja, reduce traffic congestion and the environmental impact of vehicles at the same time.

“Uber helps people get a ride at the push of a button – there’s no waiting on the street or walking through unfamiliar neighborhoods to find a bus. It’s the most convenient way to get a safe, reliable and affordable ride.

“No more street hails or waiting outside to find a ride. You can start the Uber app from anywhere and wait safely for your car to arrive. Trips are no longer anonymous. When a driver accepts your request, you see his or her first name, photo, and license plate number. You can also check whether others have had a good experience with him or her. In addition, the driver can see your first name and rating. You can contact the driver-and vice versa- through the app if there is any confusion around pick-up details,” the statement added.