News
Why my family asked me to resign during EndSars – Lai Mohammed
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has revealed that during the protest against police brutality in 2020, popularly known as EndSars, his family members met and asked him to resign.
Mohammed made this disclosure on Wednesday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television monitored by Ekwutosblog.
He was reacting to his book, ‘Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration.’
“Nigerian contemporary history would not be fully understood unless those who have been inside are allowed and encouraged to tell their own stories.
“This kind of book is actually for posterity. It’s to educate the public. It is also to inspire future leaders, because it’s not just about successes. There are some failures. Just a challenge for instance, like in this book, during the EndSars, some of the toughest moments in my life, when my family met, they had a meeting and asked me to resign.
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
