Gov. Otti pays victim’s medical bill, suspends govt. driver

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has issued directives to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, to ensure that Orji Felix, a motorcycle rider injured in an accident involving a government van, receives top-quality medical care without any cost burden to him or his family.

He also ordered the immediate suspension of the driver, Onyebuchi Steven, who was part of his convoy and was involved in the collision with the motorcyclist in Ohafia Local Government on Sunday.

This suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of an investigation aimed at determining the driver’s culpability in the incident.

A statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Kazie Uko, on Monday, explained that the investigation is essential to establish the driver’s level of responsibility in the accident.

The statement clarified that the collision occurred when Steven, operating a Toyota Hilux pick-up van, collided with Felix, who had just picked up a passenger from the roadside and was preparing to ride away.

Both the motorbike rider and his passenger were promptly rescued and transported to a nearby hospital near the accident scene.

The statement provided additional details: “While the passenger received treatment for minor injuries at a local hospital in Ohafia and was subsequently discharged, Felix, as reported by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, sustained multiple fractures in his left leg and right arm.”

The 18-year-old motorcyclist was rapidly transferred by ambulance from Ohafia to the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia. Dr. Okoronkwo administered initial first aid treatment, including bandaging his injured leg and arm, before his admission.

Felix is currently receiving care in the Crowther ward at FMC, where his condition has been described as “very stable” by the nursing staff on duty.

He has been actively participating in conversations and responding to questions posed to him. When asked about the pain in his left leg, he replied, “The pain is not as severe now.”

The Commissioner, who visited the hospital to monitor the patient’s progress on Sunday night, expressed gratitude to the diligent nursing staff for their excellent care. Dr. Okoronkwo reaffirmed the Governor’s directive that the patient receives comprehensive medical attention.