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Benue councillors protest as LG chair shuts chambers
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Councillors in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have accused the council chairman, Prince Maxwell Ogiri, of suspending legislative activities on what they described as “frivolous grounds.”
The councillors, led by Leader of the House, Philip Anya, made the allegation in a petition to the Benue State House of Assembly.
They claimed the chairman shut down the legislative chamber despite directives from Governor Hyacinth Alia and his deputy to maintain the status quo following the disputed removal of Anya as Leader.
The LG chairman had in a letter dated September 8, 2025, and signed by the council secretary, Simon Idenyi, directed the councillors to conduct legislative business via social media platforms.
Part of the letter read: “While the chairman is mindful of the fact that the postponement will affect the smooth running of the legislative arm for the time being, he cannot take the security advice for granted. In view of this, the chairman wishes to advise legislators to explore other platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, etc., to enhance legislative business for the time being.”
However, the councillors condemned the directive, urging the state House of Assembly to wade in by setting up an ad hoc committee to review the dissolved House Standing Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which they said had uncovered financial misconduct.
They also demanded that the Assembly summon Ogiri to explain his refusal to allow the legislative arm function, insisting:
“That the Benue State House of Assembly immediately move in and take over the Otukpo Legislative Council and allow the councillors conduct their regular sessions under the watchful and protective eyes of the House of Assembly.”
When contacted, Ogiri confirmed knowledge of the petition but explained that the letter suspending legislative activities had been withdrawn and replaced with fresh reasons.
He said the chamber was shut due to renovations at the dilapidated legislative building and the temporary hall previously used by councillors had been taken over by the Idoma Area Traditional Council and the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for the selection of vacant stools in Idoma land.
Ogiri also denied ignoring directives from the deputy governor, noting that the instruction was issued before he resumed office on Monday after serving a one-month suspension for alleged misconduct.
His initial six-month suspension by the Assembly had been reduced by Governor Alia, and later lifted by new Speaker, Alfred Emberger.
On the impeachment of Anya and the majority leader, Ogiri said it was carried out without his knowledge.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described the victory of Jide Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper, at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice as a major victory for journalism and press freedom in Nigeria.
The union, in its reaction to the judgment awarding N10 million in damages against the Nigerian government over the violation of Oyekunle’s rights, said the ruling represents an important step towards protecting journalists and defending media freedom.
The NUJ in a statement signed by the National Secretary, Achike Chude on Wednesday commended the efforts of Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) for providing legal support and standing with the journalist throughout the legal process.
It said the judgment serves as a reminder of the need for the protection of journalists who perform their constitutional duty of informing the public, adding that attacks and harassment against media practitioners must not go unchecked.
The union urged the Nigerian government to comply with the ECOWAS Court judgment by paying the N10 million damages awarded to Oyekunle without delay.
According to the NUJ, prompt compliance with the ruling would demonstrate respect for the rule of law and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to upholding human rights and press freedom.
The union further called for stronger measures to guarantee the safety and independence of journalists across the country.
Signed
Comrade Achike Chude
National Secretary
President Tinubu Will Commission Roads 01 and 02 Linking Mabushi Bus Terminal and Ahmadu Bello Way Today
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BEWARE: FG warns 26 States of flood, places, Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, Adamawa, Benue, others as critical risk areas
The Federal Government has alerted residents of 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the possibility of flooding between June 22 and July 5, 2026, following forecasts of heavy rainfall in different parts of the country.
The warning was issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Flood Early Warning Centre under its Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department.
The ministry said several communities across the country have been identified as areas that could face serious flood threats during the period.
According to the forecast released on June 22, heavy rainfall is expected in many locations, raising concerns about possible flooding in vulnerable communities.
States placed under the critical-risk category include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Rivers.
In Abia State, the affected communities include Aba, Arochukwu and Umuahia. In Adamawa, the ministry listed Jimeta and Numan, while Eket, Oron and Uyo were named in Akwa Ibom. In Anambra, Onitsha Inland Town and Awka Urban Drainage Corridors were identified as vulnerable locations.
Bayelsa communities such as Yenagoa, Brass and Nembe Town were also listed among areas that could be affected by flooding.
Other locations mentioned include Makurdi, Gboko and Katsina-Ala in Benue State; Calabar Metropolis and Creek Town in Cross River State; Asaba, Warri and Sapele in Delta State; and Abakaliki, Afikpo and Onueke in Ebonyi State.
The ministry also identified Benin City Urban Core and Auchi in Edo State, Ado-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State, as well as Enugu, Nsukka and Oji River Town in Enugu State.
In Imo State, Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe were listed, while Lokoja and Ajaokuta were named in Kogi State. Communities such as Ilorin, Jebba and Pategi in Kwara State were also included in the warning.
Several parts of Lagos State were equally listed among the areas at risk.
These include Agege, Alimosho, Apapa, Badagry, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lekki and Surulere.
In Niger State, Bida, Minna, Mokwa, Suleja and Kontagora were identified, while Abeokuta, Ota and Sagamu were listed in Ogun State.
The flood alert further covered Akure, Owo and Okitipupa in Ondo State; Oshogbo, Ile-Ife and Ilesa in Osun State; Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Oyo in Oyo State; as well as Port Harcourt Urban Core, Bonny, Ahoada and Omoku in Rivers State.
Apart from the states under the critical-risk category, the ministry also placed parts of Adamawa, the FCT, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba states under a high-risk category.
Communities listed in this group include Yola North, Yola South, Mubi and Gurin in Adamawa State; Abuja Municipal, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Nyanya and Wuse in the FCT; Birnin Kebbi and Argungu in Kebbi State; Bako in Kogi State; and Keffi, Lafia, Karu and Toto in Nasarawa State.
The warning also covered Jos and Jos North in Plateau State, as well as Jalingo, Wukari, Takum, Serti and Karim Lamido in Taraba State.
NUJ Hails Oyekunle’s ECOWAS Court Victory, Says It Is a Win for Journalism, Press Freedom
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