WAFFI TV | Feature

I’ll Sue If Tinubu Lists Me For National Award~ Sowore

Popular publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore has warned that he will pursue legal action for defamation if his name is “mistakenly” included in any national honours list issued by President Bola Tinubu. Sowore — the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) — made this known on Friday via his social media accounts, seemingly in response to speculation surrounding the potential recipients of the 2025 national awards. “If I were mistakenly included by Tinubu on his ‘National Award’ list, I would not only reject and denounce the award but also take definitive legal action for defamation,” Sowore wrote. A vocal critic of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government, Sowore has consistently expressed strong opposition to President Tinubu’s leadership style and policy direction. He has repeatedly accused the administration of corruption, misgovernance, and the suppression of civil liberties.

6/14/2025, 7:36:25 AM

Delta Assembly Proposes Bill To Tackle Soaring House Rents

As part of activities marking its second anniversary, the Delta State House of Assembly has unveiled plans to introduce a bill aimed at regulating soaring house rents across the state. Speaking at a press conference in Asaba, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said the proposed legislation responds to increasing complaints from residents, particularly in urban areas like Asaba, Warri, Sapele, and Ughelli, where rent hikes are impacting low and middle-income earners. “We cannot ignore the cries of our people who are being priced out of decent accommodation,” Guwor stated. “This Assembly is determined to bring relief through legislative action that protects both tenants and landlords while promoting fair housing policies.” The bill, titled “A Bill to Regulate House Rent in Delta State,” is sponsored by House Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi alongside 27 other members. It has already been listed for first reading and is expected to be presented in the next legislative session. Guwor emphasized that the Assembly would consult widely with stakeholders—including the Ministry of Housing, real estate developers, landlords' associations, and civil society organizations—to ensure the bill is balanced and enforceable. The Speaker also used the occasion to highlight the legislative milestones achieved during the second session of the 8th Assembly, citing key bills, robust oversight functions, and strengthened collaboration with the executive as hallmarks of progress. The rent control bill, once passed, is expected to bring stability to Delta’s housing market and offer relief to struggling tenants.

6/13/2025, 6:37:37 PM

Ijaghala (Zougha Alagha) Community Reaffirms Allegiance To Gbaramatu Kingdom in Landmark Declaration

In a significant show of unity and resolution, the Ijaghala (Zougha-Alagha) Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has formally affirmed its allegiance to the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro Gbaruan II, Aketekpe-Agadagba. The community leaders made this known during a well-attended press briefing held at the Ijaghala Town Hall, where they collectively pledged their loyalty to the traditional leadership of Gbaramatu Kingdom, bringing clarity to long-standing questions surrounding territorial identity and historical affiliation. Addressing the gathering, representatives of the community clarified that while many of them speak Itsekiri, it is due to their maternal lineage, as their ancestral mother was of Itsekiri origin. However, they emphasized that their roots and loyalty remain firmly with the Ijaw heritage under Gbaramatu Kingdom. Below is the full press briefing by the Ijaghala (Zougha Alagha community) PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE OF LAGHALA (ZOU-ALA UBA) COMMUNITY, WARRI SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNEMT AREA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA HELD AT EGHEGHA TOWN HALL OF UAGHALA COMMUNITY, ON FRIDAY 13TH OF JUNE 2025 Gentlemen of the Press, We, the undersigned for ourselves and on behalf of the entire poople of ljaghala Zou-Ala Uba Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Gover Ares of Delta State, wish to address the press in respect of an age-long misrepresentation of jaghala (Zou-Ala Uha) community as an Ugborodo Community instead of a Community that originated from Gbaramatu Kingdom which was founded by our ancestor at about the 11 century Ijaghala used to be a fishing and palm wine tapping camp of Gharamatu forebears before Egbegha was born and prior to the existence of Ugborodo. It has been called Zou-Ala Uba because of the distance from the entrance to other adjoining creeks and crecklets Oweizibiri, the father of Egbegha had earlier settled with other Ijaw indigenes in Amadino (Omadino) before he left his kinsmen to settle in Ikantu. After several years, Egbegha relocated from Ikantu to Oporoza from where he moved to Zou-Ala Uba and lived permanently. Despite the fact that so many great men of Gharamatu Kingdom had lived in Zoi-Ala Uba and engaged in their natural occupation of fishing, hunting and palm wine tapping, Egbegha's permanent stay in Zou-Ala Uba, made him known as the founder of the community. He died as an old man and was buried in Oporoza, the Traditional Headquarters of Gbaratmatu Kingdom. After Egbegha had settled at his new found community, he took a wife from Ughorodo by name Erighuwewenimara and the marriage had two children namely Egogo and Asako. While growing up these children were more closed to their Ugborodo mother who spoke Itsekiri dialect with them. In tum, Egogo also married Itsekiri women and brought them to Ijaghala (Zou-Ala Uba). Egogo through his marriage gave birth to a number of children, who abe abe spoke Itsekiri dialect. That is how the Itsekiri dialet became spoken by some of Ijaghala people and thus became affiliated to Itsekiri ethnic group. From the above, without mincing words Ijaghala (Zou Ala Uba) is an Ijaw community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Goverment Area, Delta State. The general Public, Local goverment, Federal government, and the international community should take note that that Ijaghala (Zou-Ala Uba) community in Gharamatu Kingdom is an Ijaw community and is never, was never and and will never be put of Itsekiri ethnic nationality. This press conference is in tandem with our ealier publication made by jaghula cthers about the history of Ijaghala people published Sunday (Vangaurd Page 20, Nevender 2, 2008) To our greatest dismay, some of the descendants of Egbegha and Egogo still engage in alienating their peternal ancestral Gbaramatu land to their maternal Ugborodo Community. We strongly condemn the attitudes of these persons which has been causing problems among our kith and kin in Oporoza community. Gbaramatu Kingdom and the larger Ijaw nation. From the foregoing, we want to categorically state and inform the general public , local, state and federal governments and the international community that ljalagha (Zou-Ala Uba) cominunity having an ancestral lineage with Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State and will continue to affirm and remain in the traditional institution of Gbaramata kingdom. Finally, we hereby pledge our loyalty and allegiance to His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gharam II OP) Aketekpe, Agadagba. The Pere of ancient Gbaramata Kingdom. Thank you and God bless Long live joghala (Zina-Alu Usa) community Long live Gharumatı Kingdom Long live Delta State Long live Nigeria SIGNED CHIEF SAM EYENGHO The Tieyemienwel of Gbaramatu Kingdom MR. SUNDAY AKPAFUNDLIRE MR. WILSON ABESON YOUTH PRESIDENT MRS GRACE REMERE UKUNDRITIE MAPE MRS DOLOR ITSEORIBELAJU MR. EBI JOLOMI MRS MARY OSANGBAJUMI

6/13/2025, 6:03:50 PM

My Dad’s Presidency Would Have Changed Nigeria~ Abiola’s Son

Jamiu Abiola, son of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has stated that Nigeria would have attained significantly greater economic progress had his father been allowed to assume office following the 1993 presidential election. Speaking on Thursday during Channels Television’s June 12 Special Forum, held to commemorate 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, Jamiu described the annulment of the election as a missed opportunity. He noted that the global economy was experiencing a period of growth at the time, which Nigeria could have capitalized on under his father's leadership. “Nigeria would have been better because, at that time, it was a very special time in global times; that 1993 period was a time when the world itself was having an international economic boom. “So, we could have tapped into that. But what did we get in return? We got a kleptomaniac as head of state. I am not going to talk about (Sani) Abacha because he has his problems wherever he has found himself,” he said. Jamiu, who serves as Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Linguistics and Foreign Affairs, also lamented what he described as attempts to erase his father’s legacy from Nigeria’s political history. “I wrote a book in 2015 because I came to realise that my father’s name was becoming like a memory that was becoming distant and people were hellbent on rewriting the history of Nigeria without him. “People would come from abroad, foreign presidents, they would mention Yar’Adua and others, and they would not mention Chief MKO Abiola. Some people wanted to bury his name. Like my father would say: they wanted to shave his head in his absence,” he said. Jamiu’s book, ‘The President Who Never Ruled,’ was written to preserve MKO Abiola’s legacy and ensure future generations remember his historic role. In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously awarded MKO Abiola the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic and officially declared June 12 as Democracy Day—a gesture widely seen as long overdue.

6/13/2025, 4:39:33 PM

Otuaro Congratulates Delta Speaker, Members On Second Anniversary

The Immediate Past Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley B. Otuaro, has extended congratulations to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, and all members of the 8th Assembly as they mark the second anniversary of their legislative tenure. In a goodwill message on Friday, Otuaro described the anniversary as a major milestone not only for the Assembly but for the people of Delta State whose mandate the lawmakers uphold. He praised the Assembly’s steadfast commitment to strengthening the democratic process through effective lawmaking, representation, and oversight. Otuaro said, "I extend my warm congratulations to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, and to all Honourable Members of the 8th Assembly, as you mark the second anniversary of your legislative journey. "This milestone is a significant moment not only for the House but for the people of Delta State, whose mandate you carry. I commend your collective commitment so far in sustaining the legislative arm as a vital pillar of democracy, and in upholding the responsibilities of lawmaking, representation, and oversight. "As you reflect on the achievements of the past two years, I urge you to deepen and continue to focus on impactful legislation—laws that will continue to address the real issues facing our people. "I also encourage the House to remain united, people-focused, and guided by the values of integrity, transparency, and service. May the Assembly continue to work in synergy with the executive and judiciary to strengthen governance and uphold the hopes and expectations of Deltans.

6/13/2025, 3:27:18 PM

Israel Hits Iran Nuclear Sites, Kills Top Brass In Major Strikes

Israel launched a massive aerial assault on Iran Friday, targeting around 100 sites, including nuclear facilities and military command centers. The strikes reportedly killed several high-ranking officials, including Iran’s armed forces chief of staff and senior nuclear scientists. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed that Israel would face a “bitter and painful” retaliation. The Iranian military warned that its response would have “no limits.” Later, the Israeli military confirmed that Iran retaliated with about 100 drones, which were intercepted before entering Israeli airspace. Jordan also reported intercepting drones and missiles that violated its airspace, triggering air raid sirens in Amman. Former U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News he had prior knowledge of the Israeli strikes, which involved approximately 200 fighter jets. He reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The U.S. emphasized it was not involved in the operation and warned Iran against targeting American personnel or assets. However, Tehran accused Washington of complicity, insisting such a large-scale strike could not have occurred without U.S. coordination or approval. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation struck at the "heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program," including a direct hit on the Natanz nuclear facility and its key scientists. He warned that the strikes would continue “as many days as it takes,” citing intelligence suggesting Iran was nearing the “point of no return” in its nuclear ambitions. Iranian media confirmed the deaths of top military officials, including armed forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps head Hossein Salami.

6/13/2025, 12:55:11 PM

Rivers Crisis: Again, Fubara Visits Wike, Seeks Reconciliation

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, has once again visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. WAFFI TV reliably learned that Fubara met Wike at his Abuja residence on Monday. A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed this to WAFFI TV while debunking a viral photograph of the duo. The source said: “The photograph is an old image, but I can inform you that he (Fubara) came to see the Minister this week Monday.” The meeting is believed to be part of Fubara’s effort to restore peace between him, Wike, and other relevant stakeholders in Rivers State. Fubara ran into murky waters shortly after he was sworn in as Rivers State governor in 2023. He fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of Rivers State's political structure and resources. The dispute escalated to the State House of Assembly, resulting in a split within the legislative body. On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara for six months and declared a state of emergency in Rivers State for the same duration. To prevent the political crisis from escalating into a full-blown security threat—especially amid threats by Niger Delta militants to sabotage oil facilities—Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator. During his suspension, Fubara held meetings with President Tinubu in both London and Lagos, while also reaching out to Wike in efforts to reconcile.

6/13/2025, 12:48:06 PM

Okerenkoko Community Set To Inaugurate, Swear~In New Executive Council June 19

The Okerenkoko Federated Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom is set to host a grand inauguration and swearing-in ceremony for its newly constituted executive council on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Okerenkoko Civic Centre. The historic occasion will be chaired by High Chief Dan. Ebierin Ekpebide, the Ibakurowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, under the royal blessing of His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II (JP), Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, who will serve as the Royal Father of the Day. Adding prestige to the ceremony, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, is expected to grace the event as the Special Guest of Honour. Also gracing the ceremony are notable spiritual fathers including Srn. Boan (Amb) P.E German (JP) and Dcn Patrick Igere, while High Chief P.T Heavens (JP), the Pere-gbolu of Gbaramatu Kingdom, will be honoured as Father of the Day. The event will formally introduce High Chief Amb. Mosco Johnny (JP) as the Incoming Chairman, taking over from Shedrack Outuaro, the Outgoing Chairman. Celebrations will commence with a morning session at 10:00 AM, followed by an evening session from 9:00 PM till dawn, featuring live music from Chief Prince Abraham, the Nunu Pere of Isaba Kingdom. Waffi TV will broadcast the event live. Viewers are encouraged to tune in via any free-to-air satellite decoder or follow Waffi TV on social media platforms for real-time coverage.

6/13/2025, 11:45:35 AM

I Was Naive To Have Criticised You~ El~Rufai’s Son Begs Goodluck Jonathan

Bello El-Rufai, the House of Representatives member representing Kaduna North, has admitted he was naive in criticising former President Goodluck Jonathan. Bello, the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, expressed regret over his past remarks about Jonathan's administration, acknowledging that he failed to appreciate the quality of governance during that period. Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television Thursday evening, Bello said he has since gained better insight and now realizes his earlier judgment was flawed. He recounted a moment that highlighted his naivety — when he visited his father and saw him preparing to meet with Jonathan for political discussions. Curious, he asked his father where he was headed, and it dawned on him how much perspectives can change over time. Bello said: “And he said he was going to see President Jonathan, and I paused because when I was naive or when I thought ego or gratification mattered, I used to be very active in criticising President Jonathan. “I even forgot in my naivety as many young people do, that we had governance then and I found my father saying that he is going to consult President Jonathan. I said, ‘please when you see him, tell him I am very sorry, I am wiser now’. “The system is a problem. Now, why did I mention President Jonathan? It takes a lot, particularly in Africa, to lose an election and leave, he did that.” El-Rufai initially maintained a cordial relationship with former President Goodluck Jonathan and even encouraged him to run in the 2011 presidential election. However, reports indicate that following Namadi Sambo’s appointment as Vice President, El-Rufai and members of his family became strong critics of Jonathan’s administration.

6/13/2025, 7:45:58 AM

One Passenger Survives After Deadly Air India Crash

A devastating plane crash near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon has left 241 people feared dead, with only one miraculous survivor. The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), operating flight AI171, crashed shortly after takeoff with 242 people on board—including 230 passengers, two pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven from Portugal, and one Canadian. According to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, the sole survivor was discovered in seat 11A and is currently receiving medical treatment. Indian Express reports the individual as 38-year-old British national Ramesh Viswashkumar, who allegedly escaped by jumping through an emergency window. However, other sources indicate the survivor's identity remains officially undisclosed. The aircraft went down in a residential neighborhood near a medical students' hostel and canteen, resulting in extensive damage and casualties on the ground. Over 200 bodies have been recovered, with authorities initiating DNA testing to identify the victims. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has contacted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to monitor the situation closely, while disaster response teams have been deployed to the crash site. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu also visited the scene, describing it as "deeply distressing."

6/12/2025, 6:04:15 PM

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