WAFFI TV | Feature

Jega Blames Politicians For Bribing Professors During Elections

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has justified the continued involvement of academics in Nigeria’s electoral process. He argued that professors have consistently resisted attempts at bribery by politicians and have contributed significantly to the integrity of elections in the country. Jega, a respected academic and former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, made the remarks on Thursday during The Platform, a socio-political event organized by Covenant Nation, a Lagos-based church, to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day. During his tenure as INEC chairman from 2010 to 2015, Jega initiated the use of university professors and vice-chancellors as returning officers and ad hoc staff for elections. Now serving as a member of the International Elections Advisory Council and as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education in Kano, Jega emphasized that the actions of a few erring professors should not overshadow the credibility and dedication academics have brought to the electoral system. He said, “Election was terrible by the time we came to INEC. I was lucky, I was a co-chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors before I went to INEC. “So, I used the vice-chancellors to help us get academic staff with good, transparent selection criteria, which they vouch for. That’s how we started using academic staff during elections. “Up till 2015, in fact after the 2011 elections, the NBA (Nigerian Bar Association), and the NSE (The Nigerian Society of Engineers), all came and said they wanted to participate in the elections but we said: ‘Look, when you are doing something and it works, why change it?’ “So, we stuck with the professors, and I can tell you frankly, the level of integrity they brought to the election (is unmatched).” “A vice chancellor who has served 35 years in the university system, who has a few years to retire, a substantial overwhelming majority of them are not going to damage their integrity that they built over the years on the matters of election. “Of course, politicians use all methods of inducements, but the fact that only about two professors, not to talk of vice-chancellors, have been prosecuted for electoral offenses, frankly, is statistically insignificant. “It is terrible that it has happened, but I don’t think it is something we can use to say we shouldn’t use professors in the conduct of elections.”

6/12/2025, 5:50:55 PM

Tinubu Confers Posthumous Honours On Abiola, Humphrey Nwosu, Yar’ Adua, Others

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday bestowed national honours on MKO Abiola and former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Humphrey Nwosu, among others. He presented the honours during his June 12 address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.

6/12/2025, 1:55:47 PM

I Enjoy Seeing Opposition In Disarray~ Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday stated that he enjoys watching opposition parties in disarray and has no intention of helping them become organised. “I will not advise the opposition to put its house in order and I will not help them put their house in order. It is indeed a pleasure to see you in disarray,” Tinubu said during his State of the Nation address at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, held to commemorate Democracy Day. Amid recent defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress, Tinubu also dismissed claims that his administration is pushing Nigeria towards becoming a one-party state.

6/12/2025, 1:49:49 PM

Air India Flight Carrying Over 200 Passengers Crashes

A passenger jet bound for London crashed on Thursday in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, killing or injuring an unspecified number of people, aviation authorities reported. The airline described the incident as a “tragic accident.” The aircraft, Air India flight 171 — a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — went down shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick, officials confirmed. India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed deep sorrow over the crash, saying he was “shocked and devastated.” An AFP journalist reported seeing thick black smoke billowing over the airport area. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. It reportedly issued a mayday call before crashing just beyond the airport’s perimeter. Ahmedabad, a major city in Gujarat state with a population of around eight million, has a bustling airport surrounded by densely populated neighborhoods — increasing concerns over the disaster’s wider impact. The aviation minister has directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to act swiftly and in coordination as rescue and recovery efforts continue. “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” he added. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”

6/12/2025, 11:26:53 AM

JUNE 12: 'Let Us Rise Again'~ Otuaro Rallies Nigerians Behind Tinubu’s Vision

Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, has delivered a stirring message of hope and unity to the people of Delta State and Nigerians across the country, calling for collective faith and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Speaking as both a statesman and fellow citizen, Otuaro acknowledged the tough realities facing the nation but urged Nigerians to remain focused on the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. He praised the administration’s commitment to eradicating poverty, rebuilding the economy, and ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for all. He passionately appealed to all Deltans and Nigerians to unite in faith, trust, and patience as the country works toward a new dawn. He said, "At this crucial moment in our nation’s journey, I come to you not only as a former Deputy Governor but as a fellow patriot who shares in your dreams, concerns, and unyielding hope for a better Nigeria. "In the face of challenges, we must not lose sight of the progress being made and the intentional efforts of our President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to lay a solid foundation for a stronger, prosperous nation. His administration is deeply committed to eradicating poverty, rebuilding our economy, and securing a brighter future for all Nigerians—north, south, east, and west. "This is not the time for despair or division, but for unity and prayerful support. The Word of God instructs us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV): “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” "I therefore call on every Deltan and every Nigerian to join hands in prayer and support for President Tinubu and his team. Let us give them the benefit of our trust, the strength of our encouragement, and the blessing of our faith.

6/12/2025, 10:33:57 AM

Heavy Security As Protesters Gather In Lagos For June 12 Demonstration

A significant deployment of police officers, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force’s Area F Division, was observed on Thursday morning as protesters began assembling at the Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos to mark June 12 Democracy Day. The demonstrators—comprising civil society groups and pro-democracy activists—gathered to voice their concerns over the worsening economic conditions and rising insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Although the protest had not formally started, security operatives remained on high alert.

6/12/2025, 10:09:35 AM

Forgive Fubara On June 12~ Bode George Urges Tinubu

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, on Wednesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to extend forgiveness to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, just as he did with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the spirit of June 12. President Tinubu had suspended Fubara on March 18 for six months, amid a political crisis in Rivers State. He also declared a state of emergency and appointed a sole administrator to manage the state's affairs. Fubara’s suspension stemmed from his conflict with key stakeholders over control of political resources in the state. Three months into the suspension, Fubara visited both Tinubu and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, in a bid to reconcile. Around the same time, reports emerged of a rift between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu, highlighted when the president appeared to snub the Lagos governor during a public event. However, following a Governor’s Advisory Council meeting in Lagos, the issue was settled, with Tinubu assuring Sanwo-Olu of his forgiveness. “If Tinubu could forgive Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend the same gesture to Fubara. “On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy – the will of the people,” George said.

6/11/2025, 8:08:41 PM

Rivers 2025 Budget Plans For Fubara’s Return~ Ibas

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has stated that the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget anticipates the reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders. Ibas disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while presenting the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight. He explained that the budget aligns with the strategic goals of the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027) and offers a comprehensive framework aimed at boosting revenue, accelerating infrastructure development, enhancing human capital, and fostering inclusive economic growth across all sectors. He said, “In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period.” He, however, accused some suspected Rivers State officials of failure to provide the administration with useful information required to prepare the budget proposal. Ibas added, “Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates. “However, recognising the exigencies under the state of emergency and the need to ensure fiscal credibility, the budget framework integrates expenditure information made available before the submission of the budget proposal to ratify the first quarter expenditures in a lawful and transparent structure. “This ensures alignment with statutory appropriation protocols while safeguarding the integrity of public finance management.” The budget, totalling ₦1.48tn in expenditure with a projected ₦1.4tn in revenue, was transmitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval after the Supreme Court ruled on the legality of the Rivers State 2025 appropriation process. In his opening remarks, Ibas thanked the committee for its dedication. “We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfil your constitutional duties,” he said.

6/11/2025, 3:31:58 PM

Natasha: Appeal Court Strikes Out Akpabio’s Motions, Imposes N100,000 Fine

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has struck out two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and imposed a ₦100,000 cost against him. A three-member panel, led by Justice Hamman Barka, dismissed the motions on May 21, 2025, after Akpabio requested to withdraw the appeal. Waffi TV obtained a certified true copy of the ruling on Tuesday night. The motions, dated March 3 and March 25, 2025, with suit numbers CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025, listed Akpabio as the appellant. The respondents in the case included Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Akpabio had sought, among other reliefs, an order extending the time to seek leave to appeal the Federal High Court’s ruling of March 10, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, which was filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Clerk of the National Assembly and three others. The ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu, was being challenged on grounds of mixed law and fact, as outlined in Akpabio’s proposed Notice of Appeal. “An order of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Appellant/Applicant to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice | Obiora Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025, on Grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B. “An order of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may file their Notice of appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025. “An order of this Honourable Court staying further proceeding in Suit No: FCH/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu), pending the hearing and determination of the Appellant/Applicant’s appeal before this Honourable Court.” The court, in its ruling, held, “Application seeking to withdraw the two motions dated and filed on 20/3/2025 and 25/3/2025 is granted and the motions are struck out. “Costs of ₦100,000 are awarded to the 1st Respondent. Appeal No. CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 to be deleted.”

6/11/2025, 12:31:57 PM

I Regret Some Of My Social Media Posts Against Trump~ Elon Musk

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and a former advisor to Donald Trump, expressed regret on Wednesday over some of his recent criticisms of the U.S. president, following their public fallout last week. “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk wrote on his social media platform X. Musk’s expression of regret came just days after Trump warned the tech billionaire of “serious consequences” should he retaliate against Republicans supporting a contentious spending bill. Their heated fallout — played out largely on social media before an engrossed public last Thursday — was sparked by Musk’s sharp criticism of Trump’s much-touted “big, beautiful” spending bill currently under consideration in Congress. Several lawmakers opposed to the bill had urged Musk — a major Republican donor in last year’s presidential race — to help fund primary challenges against GOP members backing the legislation.

6/11/2025, 9:39:16 AM

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