WAFFI TV | Feature

Rivers Sole Administrator Suspends Political Office Holders

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has ordered the immediate suspension of all political appointees and officeholders in the state. In a statement on Wednesday, the Administrator’s Chief of Staff confirmed that the move was made under powers granted to Ibas by President Bola Tinubu. The suspension affects the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, heads and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants. “This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs. “Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.

3/26/2025, 9:46:01 PM

FG Declares Monday, Tuesday Public Holidays For Eid el Fitr

The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr. Announcing this on behalf of the government, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo conveyed the message in a statement released on Wednesday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani. The minister congratulated Muslims on completing the Ramadan fast, underscoring the holy month’s role in promoting self-discipline, compassion, and spiritual renewal. Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims to uphold values of love, generosity, and peace while stressing the importance of national unity and religious harmony. He also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for the country’s peace, stability, and prosperity. “As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us reflect on the lessons of Ramadan, embrace one another with love and forgiveness, and work together to build a more united and prosperous Nigeria,” the minister stated. He further encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while extending acts of kindness to the less privileged, in line with the values of Ramadan and Eid.

3/26/2025, 9:43:29 PM

Ijaw, Niger Delta Leaders Demand Wike’s Sack Over Rivers Crisis

Aggrieved leaders and stakeholders of the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta ethnic nationalities have called on President Bola Tinubu to sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his alleged inflammatory remarks and role in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. During a high-profile gathering in Bomadi, Delta State, on Tuesday, the leaders condemned Wike’s actions and statements, accusing him of disrespecting the Ijaw people and their revered leader, the late Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. They argued that Wike's comments were not only insulting but also an attempt to distort historical facts and undermine the contributions of the Ijaw Nation to Rivers State's development. In a communique jointly signed by key leaders, including Hendrick Opukeme, Chief Dan Ekpebide, and Kennedy Orubebe, the group warned that Wike’s rhetoric could ignite ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta. They described his continued presence in the Federal Executive Council as a “national embarrassment” and insisted that he must be suspended immediately. The leaders also rejected President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unjustified when compared to more severe security crises in other parts of Nigeria. They accused the government of bias for allowing Wike, whom they see as a key instigator of the conflict, to remain in office while suspending democratic institutions in Rivers State. Reaffirming their commitment to justice and self-determination, the Ijaw and Niger Delta leaders vowed to resist any attempt to suppress their voices and demanded that the government take urgent steps to restore peace, stability, and good governance in the region. Read the full text: COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ONE-DAY IJAW NATIONAL SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME We, the representatives of the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, gathered in the ancient community of Bomadi in Delta state to X-ray the state of affairs of the Ijaw Nation vis-a-vis the present happenings in Rivers State. Attendance: In attendance were representatives of the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), representatives of the Zonal Executive Committees of the INC and IYC, the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), Meinbutu Federated Communities, Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationalities (MOSIEND), first class Ijaw traditional rulers from Delta State, indigenous Delta Ijaw communities from Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Warri South West and Warri North LGAs. Also in attendance to solidarity with the Ijaws were representatives of the youth wings of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Ndokwa Neku Union and the Ogbaku-Etche Delta State Branch. REAFFIRMATION OF OUR COMMITMENT TO THE STRUGGLES OF THE NIGER DELTA PEOPLE We want to reaffirm our commitment to the struggle for justice, equality, and self-determination by our forebears. This is because our estate has not changed as the Ijaws are still politically and economically marginalised and balkanised. It is in this light, we stand united in condemning the excesses of the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesome Wike and the President's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The contributions of the Ijaw Nation to the Creation of Rivers State We are proud of the pivotal role played by our forebears in the creation of Rivers State. The Ijaws of Rivers State have been instrumental in shaping the state's history, from the early struggles for autonomy to the present day. We honor the memory of late Pere Harold Dappa-Biriye, who led a delegation of Ijaws to the Lancaster House in 1957 to advocate for the creation of Rivers State. We also acknowledge the role played by the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro whose twelve days revolution led to the creation of Rivers State. MINISTER NYESOME SHOULD BE SUSPENDED FROM THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL We strongly condemn the unguarded utterances and actions of Minister Nyesome Wike, which have been insulting and derogatory towards the Ijaw Nation, particularly our revered leader, Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, OFR. Chief Wike's comments are not only unacceptable but also a clear attempt to falsify well established facts and history, and also undermine the contributions of the Ijaw people to the development and politics of Rivers State. His statements are also capable of stoking ethnic crises in the Niger Delta. This must be resisted. In order to avoid such conflicts, we are demanding for the immediate suspension of Minister Nyesome Wike from the Federal Executive Council. Chief Nyesome Wike is the most embarrassing antagonist in the Rivers State conflict, and his continued stay in office is a national embarrassment. His actions have brought shame and disrepute to the nation, and his presence in the Federal Executive Council undermines the integrity of President Tinubu’s government. We urge President Tinubu to take immediate action to address this situation and restore peace, stability, and good governance to the Niger Delta region. EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS STATE It is sad that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State citing few breaches in security. There are worst happenings in other parts of Nigeria where herdsmen, bandits, unknown gunmen have been killing and kidnapping hundreds of persons and are even ruling entire local governments yet no state of emergency has been declared. Therefore we reject the President's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which suspends the democratic institutions, the Governor, and the Legislative organs of government. This move is a clear violation of the principles of democracy and good governance. It also appears bias as Chief Wike who is a provocateur of the Rivers State crises is still in office as a minister. We therefore demand an immediate reversal of this decision and a return to democratic rule in Rivers State. CONCLUSIONS We, the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, will continue to stand united in our pursuit of justice, equality, and self-determination. We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will not be deterred from our struggle. We demand an end to the systemic injustices that have held us captive for centuries and a recognition of our rights to self-determination, to control our resources, and to shape our destiny. Long live the Ijaw Nation! Long live Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark! Long live our struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination. Signed: Hendrick Opukeme Chief Dan Ekpebide Kennedy Orubebe. Bun or Agbomudarho Felix Tuodolor Ari Sylvester Ari Loveth Timothy

3/26/2025, 7:45:29 PM

Tinubu Signs South~West, South~South Development Commission Bills Into Law

3/26/2025, 5:03:53 PM

Senate Urges FG To Address Rising Data Costs

The Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage telecom providers immediately to reassess the recent surge in data costs and ensure fair and affordable pricing for all Nigerians. Additionally, the Upper Chamber called on the Ministry to develop a policy framework for accessible internet services and urged the Federal Government to establish and support tech hubs nationwide. These hubs would offer free or subsidized internet access to young entrepreneurs, students, and innovators. These resolutions followed a motion titled *“Urgent Need to Address the Increased Cost of Data Services in Nigeria”*, sponsored by Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo (APC, Cross River South). The Senate also directed its Committee on Communications to investigate the factors behind rising data costs and propose sustainable solutions for a competitive telecommunications sector. Furthermore, the Senate called for immediate government intervention to address challenges in Nigeria’s ICT and telecom sectors, warning that unchecked cost increases could hinder economic growth. Senator Asuquo expressed concern over recent data price hikes of up to 200%, stressing the financial strain on millions of Nigerians. He noted that young people depend heavily on the internet for their livelihoods, engaging in: - Freelancing and remote work - Digital marketing and social media management - E-commerce and online trading - Software development and web design - Content creation (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) - Online education and skill development - Cryptocurrency trading and fintech innovations He warned that fiber-optic internet remains unaffordable for most, forcing reliance on mobile telecom services. The sudden cost hike, he argued, threatens economic opportunities and digital access for Nigerians. Rejecting telecom providers’ claims of high operational costs and exchange rate fluctuations, Asuquo accused them of passing their financial burdens onto consumers instead of addressing systemic business challenges. He identified key cost drivers in the sector, including: - Poor infrastructure and erratic power supply - High import duties on ICT equipment - Multiple taxation and excessive regulatory charges - Security risks increasing operational and insurance costs - Bureaucratic hurdles stifling business and innovation - High fuel costs for alternative power sources The Senate emphasized the urgent need for government action to maintain affordable internet access, particularly for the youth, who are the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy.

3/26/2025, 4:56:53 PM

Dasuki’s N33.2bn Fraud Trial Begins Afresh After 10 Years

The N33.2bn fraud trial of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), resumed on Tuesday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, 10 years after it was first filed in 2015 under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Dasuki, alongside ex-NNPC General Manager Aminu Baba-Kusa and two companies—Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited—was re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 32 counts, including criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds. Justice Charles Agbaza, newly assigned to the case by FCT Chief Judge Hussein Baba-Yusuf, presided over the re-arraignment. The case was previously handled by Justice Baba-Yusuf. Dasuki was first arraigned on December 14, 2015, alongside ex-Director of Finance at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Shuaibu Salisu, on 19 charges related to a N15.5bn fraud. The charges were later amended, and Salisu’s name was removed. On May 11, 2018, Dasuki and others faced a re-arraignment on 32 amended counts, but the prosecution had only called one witness before the case was adjourned indefinitely. Apart from this case, the EFCC also filed another in 2015 (FCT/HC/CR/42/2015), involving Dasuki, ex-Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda, former Sokoto Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, his son Sagir Bafarawa, and Dalhatu Investment Limited, over alleged misappropriation of N19.4bn. That case was later transferred to Justice Yusuf Halilu. The trial had suffered delays, mainly due to the Department of State Services' refusal to release Dasuki on bail, despite multiple court orders. At Tuesday’s proceedings, the defendants pleaded not guilty. Their lawyers, A.A. Usman and Richard Ibiye, requested that they continue on existing bail, a request the prosecution did not oppose. Justice Agbaza granted the request and adjourned the case to July 1, 2025, for further proceedings.

3/26/2025, 7:21:19 AM

Dickson Fumes Over Lopsided Recruitment In NNPC, CBN As Senate Orders Probe

Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has expressed concerns over uneven appointments within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Speaking on the Senate floor on Tuesday, Dickson highlighted the issue as the Senate directed its Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs to probe alleged irregularities in MDA employment practices. The resolution stemmed from a motion by Senator Osita Ngwu, who noted ongoing challenges in ensuring fairness in Nigeria’s public service due to biased appointments. During the plenary, Dickson urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to back the Senate’s initiative in addressing recruitment disparities across federal agencies. “He is the leader and chief executive of the country; he should be told that this flagrant and widespread violation must stop. The National Assembly is taking action, and he should throw his weight behind it. When the report is ready, he should be given a copy so that we can ensure fairness for all. “If you go to NNPC, it will shock you; even those of us from oil-producing states—our people are not there. You go to CBN, our people are not there,” he stated.

3/25/2025, 9:04:42 PM

Reps Seek To End Supreme Court Involvement In Elections Dispute

The House of Representatives is considering a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution, making the Court of Appeal the final arbiter in governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly election disputes in Nigeria. Sponsored by Nnamdi Ezechi, who represents Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in Delta State, the bill passed its second reading during Tuesday’s plenary session. Presenting the bill’s general principles, Ezechi explained that it aims to amend sub-section (3) of Section 246 of the 1999 Constitution. The bill seeks to delete the existing subsection (3) and substitute a new subsection (3) to read “The decisions of the Court of Appeal in respect of appeals arising from the Governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly election Petitions shall be final.” He said, “Mr Speaker, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Second Alteration) Act of 2010 altered section 246 subsection (1) by providing in paragraphs (b) and (c) that appeals to the Court of Appeal shall be as of right from the decisions of the National and State Houses of Assembly and decisions of the Governorship Election Tribunals as to whether a person has been validly elected as a lawmaker or a governor or whether his tenure has ceased or his seat has become vacant. “The Second alteration specifically provided in section 246 subsection (3) that the decisions of the Court of Appeal arising from the National and State Houses of Assembly election petition shall be final. “However, the amendment did not say anything about the Governorship Election Petition, thereby allowing all governorship election petitions to proceed to the apex Court (Supreme Court). This bill is trying to amend the present provision of Section 246 subsection (3) by making the Court of Appeal the final appeal Court for all election petitions.” According to the Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker, “This would enable the final winner of a governorship election to be known without delay. If the person declared as winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission wins in the Court of Appeal, it would allow him to settle down and face the business of governance without distraction.” He also noted that terminating election disputes at the appellate court would save costs, saying, “If such petitions end in the Court of Appeal, it would reduce the financial resources being wasted by the parties in prosecuting such cases to the Supreme Court.” He continued, “We should note that the original provision of Section 246 (1)(b) stated that an appeal shall lie as of right from the decisions of the National Assembly Election Tribunals and Governorship and Legislative Houses Tribunals on the issues mentioned above. “Subsection (3) of the said section clearly stated that the decisions of the Court of Appeal in respect of appeals arising from election petitions shall be final.” The bill, following its adoption, was referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, for further legislative actions.

3/25/2025, 5:53:30 PM

39 Constitutional Amendment Bills Scale Second Reading In Reps

Thirty-nine constitutional amendment bills have passed the second reading in the House of Representatives, covering key areas such as judicial reforms, electoral processes, security, governance, and legislative matters. Among the proposed amendments are: - Establishing state and local government police. - Holding all general elections simultaneously on a date set by INEC in consultation with the National Assembly. - Making the Court of Appeal the final arbiter in election petitions for governorship, national, and state legislative seats. - Granting the Chief Justice of Nigeria the authority to proclaim the inauguration of the National Assembly. - Creating a House of Assembly for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). - Allocating special legislative seats for persons with disabilities at federal, state, and local levels. - Allowing public servants to participate in healthcare education, production, and services beyond agriculture. - Establishing a commission to register, regulate, and monitor political parties. - Ensuring all election petition appeals are resolved before the swearing-in of elected officials. - Empowering INEC to conduct local government elections. - Mandating the official resignation of lawmakers from their political parties before defecting. - Creating a National Local Government Electoral Commission to oversee council elections nationwide. The bills were not debated.

3/25/2025, 3:05:45 PM

Rivers: NLC, TUC Condemn Emergency Rule, Vow Strike Action

Organised Labour in Rivers State has strongly condemned the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, calling it “baseless” and unjustified. In a joint statement, Comrade Alex Agwanwor (NLC Chairperson), Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru (TUC Chairperson), and Comrade Chuku Emecheta (JP) criticized the suspension of the elected Executive Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members, arguing that the decision undermines democracy and the will of Rivers people. Labour further decried the economic impact, stating that local government workers have yet to receive their salaries, leaving them vulnerable to severe financial hardship. They warned that the state of emergency could harm Rivers State’s economy, particularly given its strategic role in Nigeria and the Niger Delta. At a time when the nation is grappling with high inflation, naira devaluation, rising unemployment, and unaffordable electricity tariffs, Labour noted that the crisis has scared off investors who had shown interest in the ‘New Rivers Vision,’ leading to a decline in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The statement urged an immediate resolution to prevent further economic and social destabilization. “While the Rivers state Organized labour supports maintaining law and order, it insists that actions such as declaration of state of emergency and suspending elected officials must align with the Nigerian Constitution and protect workers from avoidable wage invalidity, nonpayment of salaries at all levels, safety and security threats. “Government must prioritize the safety and welfare of its citizens over political interests. The Rivers State Organized labour is appealing to the President, National Assembly, and Judiciary to urgently reverse the premature state of emergency and suspension of elected officials and return the state to normalcy. “The federal government is strongly advised to engage in genuine dialogue to prevent further escalation of the issues in Rivers State”. The Labor however advised all workers to remain calm and continue their duties while awaiting a favorable response on the concerns it raised, adding that Organized labour may be compelled to take strategic union actions which might disrupt national economic activities if our demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe.

3/25/2025, 2:48:59 PM

Subscribe to our newsletter

advertisement