News
Ex-lawmaker, Onuigbo ex-rays challenges before passage of Climate Change Act 2021
A former two-term member of the National Assembly and sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, Sam Onuigbo, has said that a lot of Nigerians are yet to know some very crucial stipulations of the law which have bearing on their well-being.
He said that the provisions of the legislation have roles for citizens, local, state and federal governments, as well as private organizations, stressing that knowledge of the individual responsibilities would help in climate mitigation and environmental sustainability.
Onuigbo during a meeting with Netherlands-based The Voice News Magazine, in Lagos, disclosed that a lot of work, personal sacrifice, and diplomacy went into the legislative process before the Climate Change Bill could become a law.
The meeting brought together diplomats, policymakers and development advocates to celebrate individuals making transformative contributions across the continent.
He told the dignitaries how the early efforts to push the legislation attracted little national attention, recalling, “When we started, it was like nobody was listening, but today, we are happy there is a lot of awareness about climate change in the country.”
Onuigbo, who is the member representing the South-East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission, NEDC, noted that the journey to actualise the Climate Change Act was not only long, difficult and filled with setbacks, but also a collective endeavour.
He said that although recognitions have continued to be given to him for sponsoring the outstanding bill, he will remain grateful to his colleagues in the 9th National Assembly, especially the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, whom he described as a resourceful parliamentarian who exercised admirable leadership that ensured the necessary institutional support required for the bill to become an Act of Parliament.
The former lawmaker recalled the many unsuccessful attempts made to pass the bill before it finally became law.
“The proposal failed in the Sixth and Seventh Assemblies, and even after I sponsored it in the Eighth Assembly, it still did not scale through.
“It was not until I re-sponsored the bill at the Ninth Assembly that it eventually passed and received Presidential assent.”
News
FACT CHECK: Did Osisioma Flyover in Aba Collapse?
THIS DAWN — A viral report circulating on social media alleges that the Osisioma Flyover in Aba, Abia State collapsed after a heavily loaded cement truck passed over it, killing “at least 10 people,” mostly street vendors.
The posts further link the incident to alleged poor construction quality under the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Verdict: FALSE
Summary:
There is no evidence, from official authorities or credible media outlets, that the Osisioma Flyover collapsed or that any fatalities occurred as a result of a structural failure.
The claim is based solely on unverified social media posts and has been directly contradicted by local sources in Abia State.
What the Viral Claims Said
The circulating posts—mainly on Facebook and Instagram—state that:
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The Osisioma Flyover “collapsed earlier today.”
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A cement truck triggered the collapse.
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At least 10 people died in the incident.
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The alleged collapse proves the flyover was poorly constructed under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
These posts have been widely shared, often accompanied by political commentary calling for the former governor’s arrest or removal from ambassadorial consideration.
However, none of the posts include:
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Photos of the alleged collapse
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Videos from the scene
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Eyewitness accounts with verifiable identities
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Timestamps or locations
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Any confirmation from emergency responders, state authorities, or journalists
What Research Shows
1. No credible media outlet has reported a collapse.
A thorough scan of major Nigerian news organisations shows zero reports of collapsed Osisioma Flyover or mass casualties in Aba on the date claimed.
In Nigeria, an event of this scale—structural collapse with multiple fatalities—would generate immediate national coverage. That has not occurred.
2. No official statement acknowledges any collapse.
As of the time this report was prepared:
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The Abia State Government
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The Ministry of Works
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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
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The Nigerian Police Force (NPF)
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The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have issued no alerts, warnings, or confirmations of any incident at the Osisioma Flyover.
3. Local confirmations contradict the claim.
Verified social-media posts from Aba residents and government-linked pages directly state that the flyover did not collapse.
Some even posted real-time videos of the structure standing intact to debunk the rumour.
4. The Osisioma Flyover was recently subject to maintenance—not collapse.
In 2024 and 2025, the Abia State Government announced reinforcement and repair work on the flyover due to concerns about its finishing quality.
This legitimate maintenance activity appears to have been misinterpreted—or exploited—to fuel the false collapse narrative.
Likely Motivation Behind the False Report
The political commentary appended to many versions of the Osisioma Flyover claim suggests the rumour may be part of:
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Political smear attempts against former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu
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Amplification of existing dissatisfaction with the flyover’s original construction
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Efforts to generate engagement through sensational, unverified news
The combination of political rivalry and public scrutiny of infrastructure quality in Abia State makes the region prone to such misinformation spikes.
Conclusion
There is no evidence that the Osisioma Flyover collapsed or that 10 people died in any accident related to the structure.
All available facts indicate that the claim is false, unverified, and politically charged.
Residents are advised to rely on credible news sources and official government channels for updates on infrastructure and public safety.
News
GOVERNOR OTTI NAMES DR. EMMANUEL MERIBOLE AS ACTING SECRETARY TO THE ABA STATE GOVERNMENT.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
12- DEC- 2025
The Government of Abia State has announced a key administrative adjustment following Governor Alex Otti’s approval for the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu (FCA), to embark on a leave of absence. In line with this development, the Governor has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Meribole as the Acting Secretary to the State Government, effective January 1, 2026.
Dr. Meribole, who currently serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, will assume the responsibilities of the SSG in an acting capacity. The administration emphasized that a structured transition plan is in place to guarantee continuity. To this end, the official handover procedure will begin on Monday, December 15, 2025, allowing Professor Kalu and Dr. Meribole to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted flow of government activities.
A medical doctor by training, Dr. Meribole brings a distinguished record of public service and administrative leadership to his new role. His extensive career includes serving as Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development before his retirement. Since joining the Abia State Government as Special Adviser on Projects, he has played a pivotal role in implementing transformative initiatives that align with the administration’s development objectives.
The decision to appoint him as Acting Secretary to the State Government underscores the confidence Governor Otti places in his expertise, work ethic, and capacity to further advance the government’s reform agenda.
Governor Otti also expressed his sincere appreciation to Professor Kenneth Kalu for his remarkable dedication and contributions to the progress of Abia State. The Governor commended Professor Kalu’s steadfast service and assured that his efforts will continue to reflect in the administration’s ongoing reforms.
The announcement was issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, on December 12, 2025.
News
“I Can Afford Any Bail Condition, Let Me Go Home, I Have Health Challenges” – Chris Ngige Cries Out In Court As Judge Remands The Former Minister To Kuje Prison
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, broke down in court today, pleading with the judge to grant him bail due to his health challenges. “I can afford any bail condition, please let me go home, I have health issues,” he said, visibly shaken.
Ngige was remanded to Kuje Prison by Justice Mariam Hassan after pleading not guilty to an eight-count charge of alleged contract fraud and abuse of office, totaling over N2.2 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed his bail application, citing concerns he might flee.
The judge has adjourned the hearing on Ngige’s bail application to Monday, December 15, 2025. Until then, Ngige will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre, where he will have access to medical practitioners.
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GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
