Metro
Hundreds of Taxi Drivers Protest Against Uber
Hundreds of taxi drivers on Monday blocked downtown Warsaw in protest over a Polish draft law they see as favourable to ride-sharing app Uber as well as over US support for the American firm.
Traditional cab operators argue that the Uber app and others like it represent unfair competition because their drivers can dodge the rules and restrictions that regulate regular taxis.
“My current income is a third lower than two years ago” because of competition from Uber, Warsaw taxi driver Marek said, preferring not to give his last name.
“What we’re asking for is fairness: that all (cab operators) be required to be licenced, have a taximeter, that they all pay taxes in the countries where they work and social security contributions too, that they pass exams like us,” he told AFP.
The draft legislation, which would regulate the activity of ride-sharing firms and has already been approved by the government, notably states that a mobile telephone app can replace the taximeter.
The protesters blocked one of the Polish capital’s main streets, stopping before the prime minister’s office, then the US embassy and finally the ministry of entrepreneurship.
Their representatives notably denounced a letter sent to the Polish government by US ambassador to Warsaw Georgette Mosbacher.
According to portions of the letter leaked to the local media, Mosbacher allegedly threatened to freeze US investments in Poland if Uber were to encounter trouble in the EU member.
The cab drivers are notably calling on the Polish government to abandon the draft law and introduce a new law that would protect traditional taxi operators.
Some protesters tossed fake money in the air. The “uberdollar” banknotes were adorned with the likeness of Mosbacher.
The spokesman for the ministry of infrastructure, which prepared the transport draft law, called the cab driver protest unfounded, saying the legislation will ensure a level playing field for all cab operators.
(AFP)
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fast, and called for sustenance of the spirit of sacrifice, which was exhibited during the holy month for Allah’s intervention in the affairs of the nation.
The Corps Marshal, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), stated this in his Sallah goodwill message to mark the end of the 2025 Ramadan fast.
Corps Marshal Mohammed maintained that Ramadan fast is one of the pillars of Islamic religion and a period of spiritual rejuvenation which makes it mandatory for Muslims to abstain from food and drinks during the daytime from dusk to dawn throughout the month. This he said nurtures the spirit of love, sacrifice and good neighborliness which should be sustained beyond the festivity in order to attain greater national cohesion, patriotic spirit and peaceful coexistence among the diverse people of the country.
While advising Nigerians to celebrate with care, the Corps Marshal stressed the need for motorists to display great patience, love and compassion for one another, not only during the Sallah celebration but beyond the festivity. He restated the commitment of the FRSC to provide safer road environment during the festive period, saying the massive deployment of officers and men across the commands to manage traffic along the major corridors, especially at the identified black spots is geared toward ensuring free and safe movement during the celebration and everyone must adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations.
“I call on all Nigerians to join the campaign to make our roads free and safe not only during the celebration, but beyond it by avoiding speeding, overloading and use of one way,” the Corps Marshal stated
Shehu commended the personnel of the FRSC for the initiative and sacrifice they make in creating safer road environment despite the challenges posed by recalcitrant drivers who disobey traffic rules and regulations without consideration to others, reassuring them of Management’s commitment to initiating policies and programs that could address their welfare needs, especially in the area of improved working and living conditions; capacity development and regular promotion exercises in rewarding excellence.The Corps Marshal further expressed appreciation to the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary logistics and moral support to inspire sacrifices among the personnel, saying Management will not rest in its oars in reciprocating the gestures through increased productivity and improved service delivery by the Corps,” he added
While praying Allah to guide and protect this nation towards peace, stability and development, the Corps Marshal enjoined all Nigerians to embrace the lessons of the Ramadan fast and work towards making the nation’s highways safe for all for enhanced socioeconomic activities.
“As the lead agency for road traffic management and safety administration in the country, the FRSC will continue to improve on its technological innovations for improved traffic management system in the country and everyone must recommit to the campaign to restore sanity to our roads,” the Corps Marshal said.
It would recalled that Eid el fitri celebration is the festival to mark the end of the Ramadan fast by Muslims who embarked on the one month spiritual exercise during which they abstained from food and drinks as well as sexual intimacy from dusk to dawn. It’s also one of the periods of the year with heightened human and vehicular movements which necessitate special operations by the FRSC to ensure free and safe road environment for all road travelers throughout the holiday period.
In the event of a crash or any emergencies, members of the public are enjoined to call the National Emergency line: 122 or report directly to the studio of the FRSC National Traffic Radio, 107.1fm for prompt response.
Adron Homes and Properties extends warm greetings to the Muslim community across Nigeria and beyond as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-al-Fitr.
As we mark the end of Ramadan, a season of faith, sacrifice, and devotion, we reflect on the values of unity, gratitude, and generosity that define this celebration. The blessings of fasting and prayers bring peace, progress, and abundance to our beloved nation, and we pray for continued harmony, stability, and prosperity for Nigeria and its people.
At Adron Homes, this season is also a time to express our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed customers. Your trust, loyalty, and commitment to choosing Adron Homes as your partner in the journey to homeownership mean everything to us. Your belief in our vision inspires us to continue providing affordable, luxurious, and accessible housing solutions, making homeownership a reality for all.
As you celebrate Eid with your loved ones, may your homes be filled with peace, joy, and countless blessings. We remain dedicated to building vibrant communities where families can thrive and create lasting memories.
Eid Mubarak! Thank you for being part of the Adron Homes family.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, on Thursday, decorated DCP Olayinka Ajeigbe, ACP Saheed Olayinka Egbeyemi, ACP Kazeem Kabir Afolabi and others as Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of Police at the Zonal Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.
A statement by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayuba Ummah, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), noted that AIG Fayoade appreciated the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) for approving the promotion of the new Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of Police.
AIG Fayoade enjoined them to be good supervisors to their subordinates, portray the Force in good light and be more devoted as unto whom much is given, much is expected. He also emphasized the need for people friendly policing to enhance public trust.
DCP Olayinka Ajeigbe on behalf of newly promoted Officers in his vote of thanks expressed gratitude to the Almighty also appreciate the IGP and PSC Chairman for finding them deserving of the enviable ranks as they promise to live up to expectations, and be more responsible in their respective duty posts.
