Akwa Ibom News Update, Uyo (2025)

17/12/2025

NEWS FLASH 📸 Ibom Air
Ibom Air is gearing up to take to the skies with international flights starting April 2026, operating from the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo. The Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the airline's readiness after inspecting the newly constructed terminal, praising Akwa Ibom State's efforts in preparing for the international launch. ¹ ²

The airline plans to expand its operations across Africa, with routes to São Tomé, Douala, Libreville, and Malabo. Ibom Air currently operates nine aircraft and aims to reach ten, with the tenth serving as a buffer to prevent disruptions during maintenance or emergencies. ³

Akwa Ibom News Update

17/12/2025

BREAKING: Kaduna Senator defect to APC
Kaduna South Senator Sunday Katung has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection was announced in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the Senate, citing "evolving political realities" and a desire for stronger representation for Kaduna South.

Katung, a barrister by profession, stated that his decision was driven by a "genuine desire to serve our people more effectively" and followed extensive consultations with constituents, stakeholders, and political allies. He praised the APC's "developmental footprints" in the district and expressed optimism about collaborating with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani to bring development to Southern Kaduna. ¹ ² ³

The defection is seen as a strategic move to secure greater influence and resources for Southern Kaduna, a zone plagued by security challenges and underdevelopment. Katung's move is expected to bolster the APC's foothold in a traditionally competitive region and further weaken the PDP's grip in the North-West.

Akwa Ibom News Update

17/12/2025

NEWS FLASH 📸
President Bola Tinubu has signed a Presidential Executive Order imposing a nationwide ban on exporting wood and related products, aiming to combat illegal logging, stop deforestation, and fight climate change. The order, published in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 180, Vol. 112, dated October 16, 2025, marks a significant step towards protecting Nigeria's forests and promoting sustainability. ¹

This move is part of Tinubu's broader economic reforms, focusing on environmental conservation, infrastructure development, and economic diversification. The ban is expected to reduce the country's carbon footprint, preserve biodiversity, and support local communities dependent on sustainable forest management.

Akwa Ibom News Update

17/12/2025

NEWS FLASH 📸
Joe Igbokwe, a senior APC chieftain, has called for Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe's removal from the Senate, accusing him of supporting violence in the South-East and maintaining silence over years of killings. Igbokwe claims Abaribe is positioning himself for a 2027 Senate return, but this should be his last term. He labels Abaribe an "IPOB bandit ethnic bigot and a sponsor of evil in the SE," alleging he's backed militant groups like IPOB, UGM, ESN, and BDF. ¹ ² ³

Igbokwe's statement has sparked intense debate, with some interpreting it as a call for accountability and others seeing it as early political maneuvering. He urges voters to consider Abaribe's past actions and silence during regional unrest when making future electoral decisions.

Akwa Ibom News Update

17/12/2025

JUST IN:
Ahmed Musa has officially retired from international football, ending a 15-year career with the Super Eagles. He's Nigeria's most capped player, with 111 appearances, and holds the record as the country's highest goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup with four goals. Musa's achievements include winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and scoring memorable goals against Argentina and Iceland.

Musa reflected on his journey, saying, "Football gave me a career, but Nigeria gave me meaning." He expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans, stating, "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle". ¹ ² ³

Akwa Ibom News Update

17/12/2025

BREAKING: MRS Oil Stations Begin Selling Petrol at ₦739 Per Litre

Akwa Ibom News Update

17/12/2025

BREAKING:
Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has responded to allegations of corruption and financial impropriety. He stated that his annual compensation is approximately ₦48 million, including all allowances, and that his children's education was funded through scholarships, family contributions, and legitimate savings.

Ahmed emphasized his commitment to regulatory independence and transparency, citing NMDPRA's publication of monthly supply reports, public data portals, and audits by international firms. He attributed the allegations to entities resisting reforms and transparency in the petroleum sector.

Ahmed has requested investigations by the Code of Conduct Bureau, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and National Assembly, offering full cooperation and documentation. He maintains that his record will withstand scrutiny, citing 30 years of public service and principled regulation

Akwa Ibom News Update

17/12/2025

JUsST IN:
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, leader of the Islamic group Ta'awunu Muslimeen, over a pro-Palestine protest in Osun State. The arrest followed a viral video showing Molaasan and his followers calling for Palestine's freedom, raising the Palestinian flag, and chanting religious slogans. The protest sparked debate, with some expressing security concerns due to Nigeria's ongoing struggles with religious extremism. Ta'awunu Muslimeen, which advocates for global Muslim causes, has organized similar protests, including one in 2018. The DSS has not issued an official statement on the arrest or charges against Molaasan. ¹ ² ³

Akwa Ibom News Update

16/12/2025

JUST IN:
The Nigerian Senate has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate the circulation of false reports claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio suffered a health emergency and was rushed to a hospital in London. The resolution was adopted during Tuesday's plenary session following a point of order raised by Senator Titus Zam, who condemned the spread of such misinformation on various media platforms.

Senator Zam described the fake reports as "unacceptable" and called for authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible to deter future incidents. Senate President Akpabio lamented the growing challenge of regulating media content, especially regarding politicians, describing much of the output on certain platforms as "garbage in, garbage out". ¹ ² ³

This development follows recent online rumors alleging Akpabio's collapse and hospitalization, which his aides have firmly denied as "fake news". The Senate's decision underscores its concern about the damaging influence of false information on social media and the need to hold individuals accountable for spreading unverified claims.

Akwa Ibom News Update

16/12/2025

JUST IN:
Aliko Dangote has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Ahmed Farouk, Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), alleging corruption and financial impropriety. Dangote claims Farouk spent over $7 million on his four children's education in Switzerland without evidence of lawful income, despite earning a public sector salary. ¹ ² ³

The allegations include:
- *Abuse of Office*: Farouk allegedly used his position to embezzle and divert public funds for personal gain.
- *Corrupt Enrichment*: Dangote claims Farouk's expenditure on his children's education is inconsistent with his legitimate earnings.
- *Embezzlement*: Farouk allegedly diverted public funds to finance his children's overseas education.

Dangote has vowed to provide evidence to support his allegations and has urged the ICPC to investigate and prosecute Farouk if found guilty. The House of Representatives has also summoned both parties to address the dispute. ⁴ ⁵ ⁶

Akwa Ibom News Update

16/12/2025

NEWS FLASH 📸 ❤️‍🔥SENATE PRESIDENT IS BACK

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to Nigeria after a brief stay in London, putting to rest rumors about his health. He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja around 4 a.m. on Monday and was received by senators, aides, and supporters. Akpabio dismissed reports of his ill health, saying "If you listen to the social media, you will go to war" and assured Nigerians of "robust legislative engagements" when the Senate resumes. ¹ ² ³

He had earlier attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, and proceeded to London for a short vacation. Akpabio's return has sparked hopes for renewed parliamentary focus, with expectations of vibrant engagements in the coming legislative session.

Akwa Ibom News Update

16/12/2025

BREAKING:
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has passed away in Saudi Arabia at the age of 71. He reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, where he was receiving medical attention. The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) described his passing as a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, and the nation.

Justice Muhammad was known for his integrity, humility, and commitment to justice, serving Nigeria's judiciary for decades and rising to the highest judicial office in the country. His leadership as Chief Justice was marked by restraint, wisdom, and dedication to justice. ¹ ² ³

NAMLAS praised his legacy, stating that he "exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law". The association also highlighted his role as a mentor, particularly to young Muslim law students, offering guidance and encouragement to aspiring legal professionals.

Condolences have been extended to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, and the country at large. Prayers were offered for the late jurist, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him "the highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus".

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