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President Tinubu Will Commission Body of Benchers Building, Abuja Today

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By Francesca Hangeior

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned of a flash flood risk alert for the first dekad of July (July 1–10).

NiMET warns that widespread rainfall expected during the period could trigger flooding across 27 states as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.

In the advisory, NiMet attributed the heightened risk to the persistent rainfall experienced in June, which it said has left soils across much of the country unable to absorb additional precipitation.

“Following widespread rainfall recorded across many parts of Nigeria in June, soils have become heavily saturated, reducing their ability to absorb additional rainfall.

“As July marks the beginning of the peak rainy season, the risk of flash flooding is expected to increase, particularly in low-lying, urban, coastal, and poorly drained areas,” the Sunday statement read.

According to the agency, states likely to experience flash flooding during the period include “Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.”

It warned that the anticipated heavy rainfall could have far-reaching consequences for transportation, public utilities, agriculture, infrastructure and public health.

The weather agency asserted that the heavy rainfall could “trigger localized flooding, resulting in traffic gridlock, road closures and disruptions to transportation.”

The agency also cautioned that “temporary power and telecommunications outages may occur in affected areas, while poor visibility during intense rainfall could pose risks to motorists and aviation operations.”

The forecast further highlighted the potential for waterlogging of farmlands, with possible crop losses, as well as damage to roads, bridges, drainage infrastructure and other public facilities.

Health officials were also urged to remain vigilant over the increased risk of waterborne diseases associated with stagnant floodwaters and poor sanitation.

To minimise the impact of the expected flooding, NiMet urged residents and emergency responders to take preventive measures without delay.

The agency advised Nigerians to: “Follow weather forecasts and flash flood advisories issued by NiMet; keep drains, gutters, and waterways free of refuse to ensure the free flow of water.

“Also, it said it should secure loose outdoor objects and reinforce vulnerable structures; and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.”

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The leadership crisis rocking the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a fresh twist on Sunday with an executive led by Chief Ifeanyi Osegbo took over the party’s state secretariat to assume control of the party structure.

This came as the embattled executive led by Senator Emma Anosike described the takeover as unlawful and a violation of due process.

The latest development follows a judgment obtained by Osegbo group against the Anosike-led executive, even as Anosike described the judgment as a “kangaroo judgment,” that lacks legal merit.

At the APC secretariat opposite the old Government House in Awka, Osegbo and his supporters expressed happiness that the party has been liberated.

The new chairman immediately set up three committees aimed at moving the party forward ahead of the 2027 general elections. The committees are truth and reconciliation, strategy and tactical, as well as election planning and winning committees.

Addressing the stakeholders, Osegbo, said the era of bickering and disunity in the state party had come to an end, adding that the main priority of APC is to mobilize effectively for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu.

Osegbo said: “The winning mentality of APC has just started in this state. We will begin by going to the grassroots and we are not going to allow our party’s candidates in their areas to suffer because we are going to help them to achieve victory.

“Let me acknowledge the sacrifices made by the former chairman of the party, Chief Basil Ejidike in repositioning the party in the state.

“Our challenges are enormousz but not insurmountable. These committees are for unity and peace. We are not going to leave anyone out. It is a moment of sacrifice.”

According to him, APC was built on accountability, noting that the era of secrecy in the affairs of the party had gone.

But reacting on the development, the Anosike-led group advised party members to disregard and refrain from attending any meeting convened by the Osegbo faction.

According to the Anosike’s faction, several individuals listed as plaintiffs in the suit instituted against him had denied authorizing the legal action, while elected executive members have distanced themselves from the judgment.

The group further argued that neither Senator Emma Anosike, nor the State Secretary was joined as a party or defendant in the suit, adding that the defendants were the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Chairman of the APC.

The group maintained that before any faction can lawfully assume control of the state secretariat, the judgment must first be served on the National Working Committee and the National Chairman of the party, who, it stated, are the only authorities empowered to direct any change in the state leadership.