By Damilola Isaiah, Akure
The Akure Airport has been shut down after Monday’s downpour destroyed its control tower and terminal building.
It would be recalled that the rainstorm destroyed houses, schools, churches and properties in some communities in Akure.
According to a source who pleaded anonymity, some equipment like network time protocol, encoder, air conditioners, computers and other equipment in the control tower were destroyed by the rainstorm.
The incident was said to have caused discomfort to passengers, airport users and other aviation officials working at the airport.
”Monday’s rainstorm really damaged many equipment inside the control tower, the windows were smashed while the ceiling also caved in.
“If you go round the airport, many buildings including staff quarters were touched. About seven buildings housing airport staff had their roof removed as a result of the heavy thunderstorm.
“With the development, all commercial flights have been grounded until further notice by the airport authority pending the repairs of damaged equipment,” the source disclosed.
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Benue govt not aware of relocation of LG tribunals to Abuja – AG
By Sunday Ogli, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has said that it is not aware of the alleged relocation of Local Government Election Tribunals to Abuja.
Recall that the embattled state chief judge, Justice Maurice Ipkambese, had in a directive dated 4th March, 2025, addressed to the Chairmen of the Tribunals, (zones A,B and C), directed the relocation of the tribunals to Abuja as a result of security threat and the ongoing strike being embarked upon by the state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN.
However, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr Fidelis Mnyim, told newsmen on Wednesday that neither the Governor nor his office received any correspondence notifying them of such relocation.
He explained that the state government which finances the tribunals ought to be informed of the relocation and the reasons for it.
The Attorney General stressed that none of them were informed of anything, adding that they woke up to hear rumours that the tribunals have been relocated to Abuja.
He said that the state and all the respondents were in confusion as to what was actually happening regarding the LG election tribunals in the state
“The state government that finances the tribunals have to be informed of the decision to relocate the tribunals and reasons for the relocation, none of that happened.
“Even my office was not informed. We woke up to hear rumours that the tribunals have been relocated to Abuja. We went to the court and discovered that nobody was there.
“Aside from being the Attorney General of the state, I’m the counsel to the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, (BSIEC), so as a respondent, we retain the right to be informed of any decision of such nature,” he said.
