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Court Sacks Akwa Ibom Senator, Orders Refund Of Salaries

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sacked Senator Bassey Akpan as the Senator representing Uyo Senatorial district in the Senate for defecting to the Young Progressives Party, YPP.

The presiding Judge, Justice Fadima Murtala Aminu, in his ruling on Friday, declared Senator Akpan’s seat vacant and ordered INEC to conduct a bye election to fill the vacant office.

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The Judge further ruled that the Senator should refund to the National Assembly all the monies and entitlements received after July 2022, being the time he defected from PDP to YPP without any problem in the previous party.

READ ALSO: Why ‘Shanty Town’ Has So Much Nudity — Ini Edo

In a suit no, FHC/ABJ/CS/1249/2022, Justice Aminu ruled that Senator Akpan, who was sponsored to the office of a Senator by the PDP, is no longer qualified to retain his seat in the Senate having resigned his membership of the PDP before the expiration of the period for which he was elected to represent the people of Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

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Justice Aminu said, “in accordance with section 65(2)[B] of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, I hereby declare Senator Akpan’s seat vacant.”

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Tension As FG Strips FAAN, NCAA, NAMA Of Revenue Collection Powers

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Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) among the 63 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that will have their revenue collection powers transferred to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

This move will significantly impact the operations of these agencies, as they will forthwith rely on federal allocations for funding, rather than generating revenue independently.

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Should the plan be effectively carried out, the bill could bring improved revenue transparency, enhanced accountability, and increased efficiency, as a single revenue collection agency could streamline processes and reduce duplication of efforts.

However, industry experts have raised concerns about the potential implications of this bill.

READ ALSO: JAMB Releases Results Of Mop-up Examination

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Reacting, a retired top management staff who preferred anonymity said: “I think this will create very serious revenue challenges for NCAA, FAAN, and NAMA,” stressing that; “in my opinion, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development (FMA & AD) will need to get a couple of consultants to study the newly created NRS act and see how this will not impact these agencies negatively.”

But Rtd Group Capt. John Ojikutu, airport security expert, thinks differently; stating: “I don’t think so. First with FAAN, they have to do what the Commercialisation, Privatisation and Concession Act of 2000 says. Government will make more money than FAAN is reporting.”

He added that NAMA needs help, which can only come from the sharing of the 5 per cent ticket sales charge, cargo sales charge, and chartered flights charge, which are not rationally shared.

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Capt Samuel Caulcrick, a financial analyst, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the potential innovation that NCAA could adopt to mitigate the challenges.

READ ALSO: INEC Announces Dates For Commencement Of Continuous Voter Registration In Osun

“The present system has put both statutory charges paid by aviation operators and cost recoveries meant for personnel into one bowl,” he explained.

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He further stated that: “The idea of such being paid through the NCAA accounts was to mitigate corruption by limiting money exchanges between operators and NCAA personnel.”

He suggested that NCAA could exclude non-statutory expenditures from being paid to the NRS, ensuring that only statutory charges are affected.

The implications of this bill are far-reaching, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the affected agencies adapt to their new funding model.

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While the bill’s intentions may be to improve revenue transparency and accountability, its implementation could have unintended consequences, such as delays in fund allocation, inadequate funding, and loss of autonomy, which could hinder the ability of these agencies to respond to emerging challenges and deliver services effectively.

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Flash Flood Warning: Sokoto, Edo, Akwa Ibom 17 Other States At Risk In July — NiMet

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its crucial Flash Flood Risk Alert for July 2025, warning that numerous states across the country face varying probable risks of experiencing flash flooding events as the onset of rainfall intensifies.

This flash flood warning aligns with NiMet’s earlier Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for the year, prompting an urgent call for nationwide preparedness.

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According to an infographic posted on NiMet’s social media on Monday, Sokoto State has been identified as a high-risk area for flash floods this month.

Also, many others states are listed with a notable risk of flash flooding. These include: Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

READ ALSO: NiMet Predicts Three-day Haziness, Thunderstorms From Tuesday

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In light of these escalating predictions, NiMet has issued a series of vital advisories aimed at mitigating the potential impacts of flash floods and safeguarding public safety.

The agency strongly urged residents to clear all drainage systems around their homes and communities to ensure the unhindered flow of water. Furthermore, the public is vehemently advised to avoid driving or walking through flooded areas, as currents can be deceptive and hidden hazards may pose significant dangers.

The flash flood risk alert for July, 2025 shows the states with varying probable risks of experiencing flash flooding events as a result of setting-in of onset of rainfall across the country as predicted in NiMet Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and some advisories to mitigate its impacts,” tne agency noted.

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NiMet also recommended that individuals residing in low-lying areas or those identified as being at high risk consider relocating to safer ground if warnings are issued.

READ ALSO: NiMet Warns 19 States Of Impending Heat Stress, Urges Safety Precautions

Households are encouraged to prepare an emergency kit, ensuring they have essential items such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, a flashlight, and a power bank readily available. In the unfortunate event of flooding, it is critically important to turn off all electricity and gas supplies to prevent electrocution and potential explosions.

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For communities in hilly or mountainous regions, NiMet stressed the importance of taking proactive measures to strengthen mudslide prevention, especially in areas prone to soil erosion.

The agency emphasized the collective responsibility of community leaders and residents to promote widespread awareness of flood risks and safety measures, underscoring the importance of acting promptly on alerts and staying continuously informed through official channels for updates on weather conditions.

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JUST IN: Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, Is Dead

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away.

Olakulehin died at the age of 90.

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According to The PUNCH, the monarch died in the early hours of Monday.

Olakulehin died during the ongoing 90th birthday and first anniversary coronation celebrations.

He succeeded the late Oba Lekan Balogun.

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A source close to the Olubadan-In-Council confided in our correspondent in Ibadan, the state capital, that “we received the message that the paramount ruler passed away this morning. He has joined his forefathers. Though it has to be officially announced by the state government.”

READ ALSO: Olubadan Suspends Two Chiefs Over Land Grapping

Another palace source, who confirmed the news, said the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who is the next in line to become Olubadan, is currently out of the country and he is expected back.

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We are expecting a former Governor of the State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who is currently out of the country, to come back home.

“He must have been briefed,” he said.

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