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Collapsed Building: Judicial Commission Visits Site
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State Government to unravel the circumstances surrounding the collapsed 7-storey building along Woji Road, GRA, Phase 2 axis of Port Harcourt, yesterday, visited the site of the incident.
Chairman of the commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli of the Port Harcourt High Court, accompanied by other members of the committee arrived the venue of the site at about 11am on board of black Huoma Coasta.
Speaking with journalists after being conducted round the various axis of the collapsed building by an official of state Ministry of Special Duties, Justice Enebeli stated that the essence of the visit was a preparatory work to guide members of the Committee on the task ahead.
He disclosed that the mandate given them by the state governor was for the committee to find the remote and immediate causes of the tragic event and make recommendations to the state government.
According to him, the panel was a fact finding and not a regular court, adding that they were there to view the place as part of measures adopted by the committee to ensure a thorough and unbias reports.
The chairman of the panel assured that the committee would give fair hearing to every persons linked to the matter.
“The assignment is an emergency one that requires urgent attention. We will not allow an innocent man to be punished, just as we will not also allow any one culpable to go free. We have invited both individuals, corporate organisations, ministries and agencies to come with their memorandum”, he stated.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli also disclosed that the committee will have its inaugural sitting on Wednesday 19th December, 2018, adding that the Committee will sit from Monday to Saturday except Sundays due to its urgency.
He used the opportunity to call on people to submit their memorandum to the panel and assured the safety of all who will submit same to the committee.
Also speaking, an official of the State Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Osarachi Ogunka Charles who conducted members of the Commission of Inquiry round the site of the collapsed building, said about 31 persons have been rescued alive, while 15 dead bodies were also recovered from the collapsed building.
He stated that their major task at the site was to work with the officials of the ministry, volunteers and other interest groups to ensure that those trapped in the debris of the collapsed building are rescued.
Also speaking, one of the survivors, Mr. Livingstone Smith, now working as volunteer thanked the State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his swift intervention, adding that the promptness of government helped in the rescue of high number of survivours recorded.
It would be recalled, that following the collapsed of 7-storey building within GRA axis of Port Harcourt, the state governor Nyesom Wike constituted the Judicial Commission chaired by Justice Adolphus Enebeli, while other members include Engr. Ibroma T.S. Akobo, Emmanuel Asawo, Tpl. Ngozi, Oliver Worgu, while Arch, Otukeh Orji, Secretary, to within 30 days of their inauguration, turnout a report to the state government over the collapsed building and find out those culpable.
The State Commissioner for Urban Development, Reason Onyin had stepped outside in other to allow proper investigation into the matter, while the State Police Command said the Command said the owner of the collapsed building was in their custody and others in connection with the collapsed building have been invited for interrogations.
By: Amadi Akujobi.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene