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Lagos Shuts Oko-Oba Abattoir Indefinitely Over Environmental Violations

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The Lagos State Government has maintained that the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege will remain closed until operators comply fully with environmental regulations and hygienic standards.

This comes four days after the facility was shut down due to gross violations including unsanitary activities, mismanagement of animal waste, and unhygienic handling of meat products.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the clarification during a live TV programme on Sunday in Lagos. He emphasized that the closure was necessary for public safety and environmental preservation.

“The abattoir will remain shut until the operators comply with the minimum standards of operating a decent facility. What we found there was heart-wrenching,” Wahab stated.

He revealed that despite prior warnings, the operators continued to engage in practices such as dumping animal waste into public drains and forcing livestock out of pens, creating public health and infrastructure hazards.

“Animals are pushed out of the pens while humans sleep inside. The stench is unbearable, and it’s destroying public infrastructure. Many residents have vacated their homes because of the pollution,” Wahab said.

The Commissioner dismissed attempts to politicize the closure, warning that blackmail or religious sentiment would not reverse the decision.

“We’ve been engaging them for years. We even sponsored visits abroad to see how a modern abattoir operates, but they’ve refused to change. Now they’ve taken to slaughtering cows at a nearby abandoned gas station and on the streets,” he said.

He added that a mechanized system already exists at the abattoir but is barely utilized — only about 10% of the facility’s automated equipment is currently in use.

Wahab said enforcement teams have been deployed to prevent illegal slaughtering in the vicinity and warned that animal waste must be treated through proper effluent plants, not public drainage.

The Lagos State Government has met with the abattoir’s concessionaire (Harmony) and the operators’ leader (Galadima), reiterating that proper waste disposal and improved hygiene must be non-negotiable.

“What they are doing must stop. There must be a culture shift. If we manage our environment well, we spend less on healthcare. It’s cause and effect,” Wahab stressed.

On Flooding and Climate Change: Wahab also addressed recent flooding concerns, noting that Lagos, as a coastal city, is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related events such as sea level rise, excessive rainfall, and heatwaves.

“Flash floods occur in low-lying, reclaimed areas. Residents must be patient. We’ve cleared over 666,000 primary channels and 397 secondary collectors in two years,” he said.

He explained that over 1,141 contraventions have been removed to restore drainage paths, and emphasized the need to preserve wetlands in places like Iketu, Agbowa, and Magodo.

Wahab called on residents to support the government’s efforts by maintaining green spaces, avoiding illegal construction on drainage alignments, and taking ownership of their environment.

“Nature has warned us — rainfall, tidal surges, and heat are coming. Government will do its part, but residents must do theirs,” he concluded.

As at press time, meetings between government officials and abattoir representatives were ongoing to find a sustainable resolution. However, the Commissioner insisted that Oko-Oba Abattoir will remain closed until operators demonstrate full compliance with Lagos State’s environmental laws.

 

 

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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