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President Tinubu: No Going Back on The Directive To Withdraw Police Officers From Vips

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja said the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs, VVIPs and ministers was not negotiable, admonishing all ministers to ensure immediate compliance.

Speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber, the President warned against non-compliance.

“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.

President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Sen Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun, to follow up on the implementation of the order.

The President noted that police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, and the protection of a select group of VIPs and VVIPs was not their responsibility.

President Tinubu said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by the Civil Defence Corps.

“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he added.

The President noted that the police would be mobilised appropriately to tackle the country’s security challenges.

He said the entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities.

“We face challenges here and there of Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around,” the President stated.

President Tinubu said ministers should meet the Inspector General of Police and get his clearance for special assignments that require police protection.

“NSA take this very seriously,” he added.

The President also urged the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms on ranching.

President Tinubu directed the Minister, Idi Muktar Maiha, to commence the mobilisation process, with particular emphasis on areas facing conflict.

“The Minister of Livestock, see which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable.

“The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it. You should emphasise the constitutional requirement that the land belongs to the state,” he added.

The President said villages and communities facing conflicts must be salvaged.

The President noted that implementing ranching will reduce conflicts between herders and farmers and attacks on the most vulnerable members of society.

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FACT CHECK: Did Osisioma Flyover in Aba Collapse?

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Ex-Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu

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:

  1. The Osisioma Flyover “collapsed earlier today.”

  2. A cement truck triggered the collapse.

  3. At least 10 people died in the incident.

  4. 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:

  • Photos of the alleged collapse

  • Videos from the scene

  • Eyewitness accounts with verifiable identities

  • Timestamps or locations

  • 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:

  • The Abia State Government

  • The Ministry of Works

  • The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

  • The Nigerian Police Force (NPF)

  • 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:

  • Political smear attempts against former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu

  • Amplification of existing dissatisfaction with the flyover’s original construction

  • 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.

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GOVERNOR OTTI NAMES DR. EMMANUEL MERIBOLE AS ACTING SECRETARY TO THE ABA STATE GOVERNMENT.

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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.

 

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“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

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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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