By Okperan Bliss
Mr Onyebushi Steven, a government driver accused of hitting a commercial motorcycle rider and his passenger in Abia State over the weekend, has been suspended by the state governor, Mr Alex Oti.
Mr Steven was reportedly driving a Toyota Hilux pick-up van belonging to the state government when he hit an 18-year-old Mr Orji Felix at Ohafia Local Government.
According to reports, the okada rider, as commercial motorcyclists are fondly called, had just stopped to pick up a passenger by the roadside and was about to ride off when he and his passenger were hit by Mr Steven.
They were quickly taken to the nearest hospital by some first responders.
Reacting to the incident, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr Kazie Uko, said his boss had ordered the suspension of the driver and an investigation into the incident.
He also directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, to ensure the treatment of the victims is paid for by the state government.
The CPS said the okada rider, who was admitted to the Crowther Ward of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), is recuperating, as nurses on duty on Sunday night described his condition as “very stable”.
“The patient, who is now receiving full medical attention, was seen interacting and responding to questions posed to him,” Mr Uko said in a statement issued on Monday.
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