WAFFI TV | Feature

Bill For General Elections To Hold In One Day Scales Second Reading In Senate

A bill granting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the authority to conduct all general elections on the same day has passed its second reading in the Senate. The proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 seeks to reduce election costs, shorten campaign durations, and permit elected officials to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses. Leading the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Senator Saliu Mustapha emphasized the escalating cost of elections, which has surged from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023. He argued that staggered elections are costly, inefficient, and contribute to voter fatigue. “The current staggered election process is a major financial burden. Holding all elections on the same day will save costs, improve voter turnout, and reduce political tension,” he said. While the proposal enjoyed strong support from several senators, some lawmakers raised concerns about INEC’s ability to conduct nationwide elections in a single day. Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned against hastily implementing the reform without first ensuring that INEC is fully prepared for the logistical demands. He stated that the “bill has good intentions, but we must ask: Is INEC equipped to conduct all elections in one day? We must also consider the confusion that multiple ballot papers could create, especially for illiterate voters.” The Senate is expected to subject it to further scrutiny in the coming weeks.

3/27/2025, 6:21:58 PM

Bill To Create Prime Minister Office Passes Second Reading At Reps

A bill proposing the creation of the office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the President as Head of State has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill also outlines the framework for electing these officeholders. It is one of 32 constitutional amendment bills that cleared the second reading on Thursday. Among them is a bill seeking to reserve specific seats for women in the National and State Assemblies. Another aims to shorten the timeframe for resolving pre-election disputes, establish pre-election tribunals, and regulate the suspension of lawmakers. Additionally, the House advanced a bill reviewing eligibility criteria for presidential, vice-presidential, gubernatorial, and deputy gubernatorial candidates. A separate bill seeks to redefine the status of the Federal Capital Territory in presidential elections, while others propose the creation of Wan and Gobir States. With these, the total number of constitutional amendment bills that have passed the second reading now stands at 113.

3/27/2025, 2:59:33 PM

Reps Reverse Decision On Death Penalty, Immunity Clause Bills

Just 24 hours after approving two bills for a second reading—one seeking to amend the death penalty law and the other to remove immunity for the Vice President, governors, and deputy governors—the House of Representatives has reversed its decision. House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, announced the resolution during Thursday’s plenary session. The bills had initially passed the second reading on Wednesday as part of 42 proposed legislations debated during plenary. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in Speaker Tajudeen Abbas' absence, explained that the reversal allows for a more in-depth debate by lawmakers. “We want to apologise to the sponsors of the bills, but this action is to enable the House to have a further debate considering the importance of the subject matters,” Kalu said.

3/27/2025, 2:13:33 PM

Reps Push Bill To Grant Nigerian Citizenship To Foreign Investors

The House of Representatives on Wednesday progressed a bill to introduce citizenship by investment into the Nigerian Constitution, passing it through the second reading. Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers, the bill proposes granting Nigerian citizenship to foreign investors who meet a specified financial threshold or invest in key sectors vital to national development. The initiative aims to attract foreign direct investment and stimulate economic growth. House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who presented the bill, also introduced the Indigene Status Bill. This proposed amendment seeks to grant indigene status to individuals born in a state or those who have lived there for at least 10 years. It also extends indigene status to women married to men from another state for at least five years. Additionally, lawmakers are reviewing the death penalty law, proposing constitutional amendments to align capital offence penalties with international best practices. The reform aims to ensure fairness, proportionality, and human rights compliance in Nigeria’s criminal justice system while safeguarding public safety.

3/27/2025, 9:02:52 AM

Tom Willy Extols HRM Elder Capt. Dr. Joseph Timiyan On Birthday

In a tribute on Thursday, Amb. Tom Willy extends his warmest birthday wishes to His Royal Majesty, Elder Capt. King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Torububou I, Agbonu, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, celebrating a life of purpose, wisdom, and leadership. In his message, Amb. Willy extolled the revered monarch as a "beacon of ancient glory and custodian of sacred heritage," praising his leadership in fostering unity and wisdom in Ogulagha Kingdom. He prayed for strength, longevity, and continued divine favour upon the king’s reign. He said, "Today, we honour not just the passing of time, but the divine gift of your life—a life crowned with purpose, adorned with honour, and guided by the hand of the Almighty. "You are more than a king; you are a beacon of ancient glory, a custodian of sacred heritage, and a father whose voice speaks peace across rivers and creeks. Under your reign, Ogulagha Kingdom has stood tall—rooted in unity, blossoming in wisdom, and marching forward with pride. "As you celebrate another year, may the winds carry prayers of strength, the waters echo blessings of longevity, and the earth rejoice beneath your noble steps. May your days be richly adorned with divine favour, and your throne be ever surrounded by honour. Long may you reign, O King of Kingsmen, Agbonu, the pride of Ijaw land!

3/27/2025, 8:56:22 AM

Ex Delta Deputy Gov Otuaro Celebrates HRM Dr. Joseph Timiyan, The Ebenanaowei Of Ogulagha Kingdom On Birth Anniversary

Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, H.E. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro, Esq., FSPSP, has extended congratulations to HRM Elder Capt. King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Torububou I, Agbonu, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom on the occasion of his birth anniversary, lauding his wisdom, leadership, and contributions to the Ijaw nation. Describing the revered monarch as a pillar of unity and progress in a statement on Thursday, Otuaro praised his efforts in fostering peace and development within the Ogulagha Kingdom and beyond. He said, "On this auspicious occasion of your birthday, I onbehalf of my family, friends and political associates, extend my warmest felicitations to Your Royal Majesty, a beacon of wisdom, strength, and peace. "Your reign has not only brought unprecedented unity, peace, and development to the Ogulagha Kingdom but has also given a strong voice to the Ijaw nation within and beyond Delta State. As Chairman of the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, your leadership has continued to command respect, foster collaboration, and uplift our traditional institutions with dignity and honour. "As you mark another year of impactful life and service, I pray that the Almighty God continues to bless you with sound health, long life, and divine wisdom to steer your people towards greater progress. "May your days be filled with joy, and your reign continues to flourish in glory in Jesus name, Amen.

3/27/2025, 8:29:48 AM

Chief And Chief Mrs. Bendiwei Emaye Celebrate HRM Dr. Joseph Timiyan, The Ebenanaowei Of Ogulagha Kingdom On Birthday

Ogulagha Kingdom echoes with joy as Chief & Chief Mrs. Bendiwei Emaye extend birthday wishes to His Majesty, Elder Capt. King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Torububou I, Agbonu, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom. Hailing him as a leader of strength, wisdom, and justice, on Thursday, they celebrate his reign as a beacon of peace and unity. They pray for renewed strength, divine favor, and continued prosperity for the kingdom under his rule. They said,"Your Majesty, Elder Capt. King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Torububou I, Agbonu, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom "On this day of noble remembrance, we raise our voices in gratitude to the Almighty for the gift of your life—a life carved by destiny, anchored in honour, and crowned with divine grace. "You have led with the strength of a warrior and the heart of a father. Your wisdom continues to light the path for generations, and your unwavering commitment to the Ogulagha people has made your throne a symbol of peace, justice, and unity. "As the drums of celebration echo across the kingdom today, may the heavens pour upon you fresh oil of favour, renewed strength, and unmeasured joy. May your years ahead be filled with greater victories and the joy of seeing your people flourish under your reign. "We celebrate not just a king, but a legend of our time. Long live Torububou I! Long live the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha! With the highest respect and warmest wishes.

3/27/2025, 8:21:00 AM

Akpos Seimode Felicitates The Ebenanaowei Of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM Capt. Joseph Timiyan On Birthday

Hon. Akpos Seimode, Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Tantita Security Services Limited, has extended birthday felicitations to His Majesty, HRM Elder Capt. King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Torububou I, Agbonu, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom. In a message on Thursday, rich with reverence, Hon. Seimode lauded the monarch’s wisdom, strength, and leadership, describing him as a beacon of stability and progress for the Ogulagha people. He prayed for continued divine favour upon the King’s reign and reaffirmed unwavering loyalty to his throne. Read the full message below: ROYAL BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO HIS MAJESTY, HRM ELDER CAPT. KING DR. JOSEPH I. TIMIYAN (JP), TORUBUBOU I, AGBONU, EBENANAOWEI OF OGULAGHA KINGDOM Your Majesty, On this glorious day of your birth, I rise in honour and humility to salute a monarch whose presence commands respect, whose wisdom inspires generations, and whose reign continues to bring light to the shores of Ogulagha Kingdom. Your leadership is a rare blend of strength and compassion—anchored in tradition, yet open to the winds of progress. Like the calm beneath the waves, your guidance has steadied the hearts of your people and preserved the dignity of our heritage. As you celebrate another remarkable year, may divine favour surround your throne, may your legacy grow deeper than the tides, and may your name echo for ages as a true father of the Ijaw Nation. Happy Birthday, Your Majesty. May your crown forever shine with glory. With unshaken loyalty and warmest wishes,

3/27/2025, 8:15:08 AM

Timadi Akuna Hails HRM Dr. Joseph Timiyan On Birth Anniversary

The immediate past President of the Ogulagha Kingdom Youth Council (OKYC), Hon. Justice Timiadi Akuna, has extended a birthday tribute to His Royal Majesty, Elder Capt. King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Torububou 1, Agbonu, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom. In his message, Hon. Akuna described the revered monarch as a "rare gem" whose reign embodies peace, dignity, and progress. Comparing his leadership to the deep-rooted mangroves of the Niger Delta, he praised the King for drawing strength from tradition while nurturing a prosperous future for the kingdom. He said, "On this auspicious day, I, onbehalf of my family and associates, join the great people of our kingdom to celebrate the birth of a rare gem—a king in whom wisdom flows like the eternal tides of the Niger Delta. "HRM Elder Capt. King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Torububou 1, Agbonu, Ebenanaowei of the oil rich Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu LGA of Delta State. "Sir, your reign has become a symbol of peace, dignity, and progress. Like the deep roots of the mangrove forest, your leadership stands firm—drawing strength from tradition while nurturing hope for the future. "As the sun rises today, it bows in reverence to your grace and the legacy you continue to build for the sons and daughters of Ogulagha Kingdom. May your days be long, your strength unshaken, and your throne continually surrounded by divine counsel. "Happy Birthday, Your Majesty. Long live the King of Ogulagha! Long live the pride of the Ijaw Nation!

3/27/2025, 7:49:42 AM

Okpoye Celebrates HRM King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan On Birthday, Hails Ogulagha Kingdom’s Peace And Progress

Warri — The Commissioner representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Hon. Spencer Okpoye, has extended heartfelt birthday felicitations to His Royal Majesty, Elder Capt. King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Torububou I, Agbonu, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, and Chairman of the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum. In an official message, Hon. Okpoye described the monarch’s reign as a “beacon of peace, unity, and strategic leadership,” noting that the Ogulagha Kingdom, under King Timiyan’s guidance, has remained one of the most peaceful oil-producing Kingdoms in the Niger Delta—a status that DESOPADEC deeply acknowledges and respects. The full message reads: > “On this special occasion of your birthday, I, on behalf of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality and the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), most respectfully and joyfully extend my heartfelt felicitations to Your Royal Majesty, Elder Capt. King Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Torububou I, Agbonu, Ebenanaowei of the revered Ogulagha Kingdom.” > “Your reign has been a beacon of peace, unity, and strategic leadership—not only within Ogulagha Kingdom but across the Ijaw Nation and Delta State at large. Under your wise and fatherly guidance, Ogulagha Kingdom has remained one of the most peaceful oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta—a distinction that DESOPADEC continues to acknowledge and deeply respect.” > “Your Majesty’s consistent dedication to harmonious coexistence, development-focused engagement, and traditional excellence has contributed immensely to the stability and prosperity of the region. It is clear that the peace and progress in Ogulagha Kingdom today is a direct reflection of your wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of your people.” “As you celebrate another year of grace, may the Almighty continue to grant you long life, divine health, and greater wisdom to continue steering the affairs of your Kingdom and our cherished Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum.” “Congratulations and happy birthday, our highly esteemed Royal Father!” Hon. Spencer Okpoye, who reiterated the Commission’s continued respect for the traditional institution and the exemplary leadership of His Majesty in promoting peace and development in the oil-producing areas.

3/27/2025, 7:14:53 AM

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