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Rivers Governor Fubara Investigates Collapsed Building

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered an immediate investigation into the causes of a building collapse in Port Harcourt.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has taken decisive action following the collapse of a two-storey building at Rumuoke Street, off Okilton Junction along Ada George Road, Port Harcourt. With the well-being of the residents in mind, Governor Fubara has ordered an urgent investigation into the incident to identify both the immediate and remote causes of the collapse.

Injuries Reported in Building Collapse

During the early hours of yesterday, the unfortunate incident led to injuries sustained by four individuals.

The collapsed structure was part of the construction project at a site which prompted Governor Fubara to visit the scene to assess the situation and determine the necessary course of action.
Acting on behalf of the governor, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, delivered an important message, urging the relevant government agencies to swiftly interrogate all parties involved in the project.

The purpose of this investigation is to bring to light any negligence or wrongdoing that may have contributed to the building’s collapse. Governor Fubara has made it clear that if any evidence of compromise or misconduct is found, those responsible will face prosecution to serve as a strong deterrent to others.

Site Investigations And Testing To Determine The Causes

To uncover the truth behind the tragic incident, the Ministry of Urban Development has been tasked with conducting comprehensive site investigations. This will involve thorough site inspections, including destructive and non-destructive testing of the collapsed structural elements. The goal is to assess their strength, determine the yield strength of the reinforcements, and conduct a sieve analysis of the soil at the site. These measures will help establish both the immediate and remote causes of the building collapse.

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Focus On Accountability And Prevention

Governor Fubara emphasizes the importance of holding all parties involved accountable for their actions. The investigation will play a crucial role in identifying any breaches in construction standards or failures in oversight. By taking swift and decisive action, the government aims to ensure that justice is served and to prevent similar incidents in the future. This commitment to accountability is essential for maintaining the safety and well-being of the residents of Rivers State.

Hospital Visit And Recovery Updates

During his visit to the hospital, Governor Fubara expressed his sympathy and concern for the four injured individuals. The doctors treating them assured the governor that they are in stable condition and are expected to be discharged within a few days. The government remains committed to supporting their recovery and providing any necessary assistance.

Prompt Debris Clearance Efforts

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the government has swiftly mobilized earth-moving equipment to the site of the collapsed building. This effort aims to expedite the removal of debris, allowing for a thorough investigation and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. The site has been cordoned off to prevent any unauthorized access and to maintain public safety.
In response to the building collapse in Port Harcourt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken immediate action to investigate the incident thoroughly. By ordering a comprehensive investigation, the government aims to determine the causes of the collapse and hold those responsible accountable. With a commitment to safety and accountability, the government of Rivers State is dedicated to preventing future tragedies and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
The Ministry of Urban Development is actively conducting site investigations, including both destructive and non-destructive testing of the collapsed structural elements. This meticulous examination will determine the strength of the reinforcements and analyze the soil composition at the site, shedding light on the immediate and remote factors contributing to the building’s collapse.

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Governor Fubara has reiterated the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that any compromise or negligence found during the investigation will result in legal prosecution. This stern approach serves as a deterrent, sending a clear message to all stakeholders that the government is committed to upholding construction standards and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

During his hospital visit, Governor Fubara extended his sympathies to the four injured individuals. Receiving positive updates from the attending physicians, he was assured of their stable condition and imminent discharge within a few days. The government remains dedicated to supporting their recovery journey and providing any necessary assistance.

To expedite the recovery process and ensure public safety, the government has rapidly mobilized earth-moving equipment to clear the debris at the collapse site. This swift action allows for a thorough investigation while mitigating any potential hazards posed by the wreckage. With the site cordoned off, the government is diligently working to restore normalcy and prevent any untoward incidents.

In the wake of this unfortunate event, the government of Rivers State recognizes the importance of accountability and prevention. By thoroughly investigating the collapse and prosecuting those responsible, the government is committed to safeguarding the lives and well-being of its residents. This incident serves as a reminder of the paramount significance of adhering to stringent construction standards and implementing robust oversight measures.

Residents day Governor Fubara’s swift response to the collapsed building in Rivers State demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of the community.
With an urgent investigation underway and plans for accountability and prevention, the government is taking decisive action to address the incident. By promoting transparency, ensuring responsible construction practices, and providing support to those affected, Rivers State is steadfast in its pursuit of a safer and more secure environment for all its residents.

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National

Tambuwal Assures PDP Will Reclaim Mandate in 2027 As Ramadan Aid Begins

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Former governor of Sokoto State and current Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has reaffirmed his party’s commitment to reclaiming power in 2027.

Speaking on Monday at the launch of a Ramadan aid distribution programme, Tambuwal assured supporters that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would regain its “stolen mandate” in the next general elections.

The initiative, aimed at assisting fasting Muslims during Ramadan, will benefit 30,000 households across Sokoto State.

Tambuwal noted that this effort was in addition to food assistance programmes being carried out by PDP lawmakers at both state and federal levels.

“As you are aware, many people have lost their lives and are no longer with us. By His grace, we are here to witness another Ramadan and provide support to our people once again,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to party leaders and supporters for their commitment, stressing that the PDP remained united in Sokoto.

“We are one big, united family. We shall continue to work together towards reclaiming what has been taken away from us.

In the last elections, our mandate was forcefully stolen, but we are restrategising and reorganising. By the grace of Allah, we will reclaim it in 2027,” Tambuwal declared.

Sokoto State PDP chairman, Comrade Bello Goronyo, echoed similar sentiments, thanking party members for their loyalty.

He criticised the current government, attributing the economic hardships faced by Nigerians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We urge the people of Sokoto and Nigerians at large to free themselves from the misgovernance of the APC in 2027,” Goronyo stated.

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The PDP’s Ramadan assistance programme includes the distribution of thousands of bags of rice and other essential grains to youth and women-led organisations across the state.

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Politics

Defection: El-Rufai Has Gone To Wilderness – Shehu Sani

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Senator Shehu Sani has downplayed ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move won’t impact the ruling party’s fortune in the coming elections billed for 2027.

El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State on Monday left the APC, a party he was a founding member, and pitched his tent with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a move pundits believe will change the political texture of the country.

But Sani, who is also from Kaduna like El-Rufai, believes the former Minister of the FCT holds no political relevance.

“Well, first of all, for those of us from Kaduna State, it [his defection] is a good riddance because he stands as a liability to the party in the state,” the former Kaduna Central senator said on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, citing the APC’s losses under El-Rufai.

“I can back this with facts. In 2015, APC had two senators. By 2023, all the senatorial zones were taken over by PDP. Out of the 14 House of Representatives seats in Kaduna State, by the time he left [office as governor], almost nine of the seats were won by PDP, two by the Labour Party, and then three by APC. With him as a governor, the APC also lost the presidential election in Kaduna State.”

El-Rufai had cited the party’s departure from progressive ideals as his reason for defection.

“At this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” the former governor said.

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The former FCT minister was a founding member of the ruling party. He was instrumental to APC’s victory in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 presidential elections. His relationship with the party, however, soured after he was not screened for a ministerial role.

But Sani, who recently returned to the APC, accused El-Rufai of destabilizing the party and believes his defection offers an opportunity for the APC to rebuild and come out stronger.

“So, you can see that by the time he left, already the party was an unpopular platform in the state. So his exit now is an opportunity,” the APC chieftain said.

“For the governor and party leaders of the state to embrace the people of the state and to reconfigure and reset the party towards the next election.”

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National

EzekwesiliTo Akpabio: Step Aside For Probe Into Natasha’s Allegation

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Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of education, has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step aside until an investigation into Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims against him is concluded.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, had accused the senate president of sexually harassing her.

The allegation followed a heated argument between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangement.

Subsequently, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for disciplinary review.

The senator was thereafter suspended for six months.

In a statement on Monday, Ezekwesili demanded that Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, should preside over a session tasked with conducting a swift and independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition.
The former minister said the senate should reverse the suspension of the senator and retract all punitive measures imposed on her.

“The senate president steps aside, and the deputy senate president immediately convenes a session that rescinds the unconstitutional and illegal suspension of senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and reverses all punitive measures imposed on her so she resumes her duties as a duly elected senator representing her Kogi central constituency and gets the fair hearing due her within senate processes,” Ezekwesili wrote on X.

“Resolve and announce that a prompt independent investigation into the resubmitted petition by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is imperative and swiftly request ICPC to designate the Independent Investigation consistent with the ICPC Act which designates sexual harassment as one of the corrupt practices it can investigate and prosecute.”

Ezekwesili urged the senate to restructure its ethics committee in response to the allegation, harping on the need to appoint an independent investigator to thoroughly examine the matter.

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“Reconstitute the senate ethics and privileges committee under a new chairperson with the mandate to commence a public hearing on the resubmitted petition on sexual harassment by the senate president Akpabio,” she said.

“The committee receives informed recommendations from the Independent Investigation by ICPC-appointed investigator and appearances/oral and written testimonies and evidences from the two parties to the matter — Senators Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio respectively.”

She advised that the findings of the committee should be referred to the attorney-general of the federation for action.

“The senate in plenary receives the report findings and recommendations of the ethics committee, debates and refers the matter to the attorney general as may be appropriate,” she added.

“The senate and HoR partner with women in Nigeria groups and other relevant stakeholders like NBA and Nigeria police to launch a comprehensive diagnostic review of laws, regulations, policies and procedures that prevent SGBV and protect the rights of women in public and private spaces, identify existing barriers and gaps, develop and implement specific action plan on a fast track timeline.”

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