WAFFI TV | Feature

Warri South~West Council Chairman Ratifies Ogbe~Ijoh Warri Kingdom Monarch’s Position, As Caretaker Committee Takes Over Leadership Of Izansa, Ijelejele, Ikeremor Federated Communities

In a renewed effort to stabilize leadership and foster peace across Izansa, Ijelejele, and Ikeremor Federated Communities in Ogbe-ijoh Warri kingdom , the Executive Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, who by law is the Chief security office of the local government has formally endorsed the position earlier taken by His Royal Majesty, Couple Mackson Oromoni, Manbene III, the Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, regarding the establishment of a transitional caretaker committee. This crucial endorsement was made during a high-powered peace and reconciliation meeting held at the Warri South-West Council Secretariat in Ogbe-Ijoh Town. The meeting brought together representatives from all the factions, respected community leaders, and security agencies to deliberate on lasting solutions to the prolonged leadership crisis that has stalled development and unity within the communities. After hours of deliberation, the council chairman and stakeholders unanimously agreed that the monarch’s decision to install a caretaker committee was the most viable option to avert further tension and a potential breakdown of law and order. Speaking at the meeting, Chief Oromoni, in the presence of security officials, The leader of the Warri South-West Legislative Arm, and leaders of thought from Ogbe-Ijoh, affirmed the committee as a legitimate transitional leadership body. Although the Pere had originally approved a one-year tenure for the committee, Chairman Oromoni appealed that it be reduced to six months to hasten the process of reconciliation and pave the way for proper democratic elections. His appeal was graciously accepted by the monarch, making the caretaker committee’s tenure officially six months, effective June 2025. During the meeting, Chief Oromoni charged the committee to operate with transparency, unity, and purpose. He emphasized the following core responsibilities: Drafting a harmonized and inclusive constitution for the three communities; Rebuilding trust and fostering reconciliation among aggrieved groups; Creating a clear roadmap to democratic elections; Facilitating a peaceful handover to elected community leaders by the end of the 6 months . He further urged the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Aniyanghan Johnbull, to maintain open and inclusive leadership, stressing that mutual respect and regular communication would be key to the committee’s success. The other committee members ratified during the session include: Mr. Senne Stephen – Vice Chairman Mr. Afedolo Itzoukumo Moses – Secretary Mr. Christmas Koko Jeffrey – Assistant Secretary Mr. Efiye Godfrey – Financial Secretary Mr. Sobaixe Richard – Public Relations Officer Chief Okiri Guola Stanley – Spokesman Mr. Andy Timi – Treasurer Security was visibly represented, with presence from the Burutu Area Commander, ACP Redengha Timpa, the DPO of Ogbe-Ijoh Division, personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). ACP Timpa, speaking on behalf of the security agencies, commended the cooperation between the traditional institution and local government, describing the caretaker initiative as “a proactive and commendable step towards lasting peace.” He encouraged all stakeholders to support the committee’s work and shun actions that may disrupt the fragile peace. On behalf of the community, Hon. Richard Tuedor and Chief Barr. Mike Akoubodo thanked the Ama-Okosu for his fatherly role in resolving the crisis. They apologized for past misunderstandings and pledged full loyalty to the throne. They also appreciated the council chairman and security bodies for their steadfastness and support, promising continuous engagement with the council throughout the caretaker period. The event was also attended by Rt. Hon. Samuel Idukedoumene Ekpemupolo, Leader of Warri South-West Legislative Arm; Pastor Arex Akemotubo; Chief Samson Oyimi; Chief David Omare, and several others who expressed support for the peace process. WAFFI TV will continue to monitor developments and provide detailed reports on the implementation and impact of the caretaker committee across the three communities.

6/5/2025, 10:31:53 AM

Trump Bans Citizens Of 12 Countries From Entering U.S.

On Wednesday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation barring citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States. The countries affected include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. According to the proclamation, nationals from these countries will face complete entry restrictions. In addition, citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will be subject to partial entry limitations. The restrictions are set to take effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT (5:01 a.m. Nigerian time). President Trump said the measures were necessary to protect the U.S. from "foreign terrorists" and other security risks. “We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” he stated in a video message posted on X. Trump noted that the list may be updated, with more countries potentially added. He explained that the nations facing the strictest restrictions were believed to have a significant terrorist presence. Others, he said, were cited for poor cooperation on visa security, inadequate identity verification, weak criminal record-keeping, and high rates of visa overstays. “We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” Trump said.

6/5/2025, 7:47:03 AM

DELSU VC Suspends School Activities Over Insecurity

In response to the recent surge in kidnappings in the Abraka area of Delta State, the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Samuel Asagba, has announced the immediate suspension of academic activities until peace and security are restored. This decision comes ahead of an emergency security meeting convened by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, scheduled for today, Thursday, at the Government House. A statement from the university reads:” I wish to inform you all that due to the security situation in Abraka town, I have directed all our students to remain indoors today, Thursday, June 5, 2025, until Management is certain of the safety of both staff and students. “Consequently, lectures and other academic activities will not hold today, Thursday, June 5, 2025. Let us all hope for a return to normality after the public holidays.” Recall that residents of Delta State have called for urgent action from Governor Oborevwori following the killing of a young man by kidnappers. Kidnapping incidents have reportedly become widespread across the state, particularly in Abraka, where DELSU is located.

6/5/2025, 7:37:25 AM

Ateke Tom Denies Rift With Amnesty Boss Otuaro

The Amanyanabo of Okochiri, His Royal Majesty King Ateke Tom, has refuted claims that he had a clash with the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, describing the reports as entirely false and misleading. In a statement issued Wednesday in Port Harcourt by his Media Assistant, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, King Ateke stated that he has never had any disagreement with Dr. Otuaro, stressing that his only interest lies in the peace and development of the Niger Delta region. The monarch was responding to recent reports alleging that he publicly humiliated the amnesty boss during his birthday celebration on Monday in Okochiri, an incident said to have caused tension at the event. Dismissing the story as a fabrication, Ateke described the publication as mischievous and aimed at stirring unnecessary controversy. He noted that the birthday celebration went smoothly and was attended by numerous dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers from across the region and beyond. "At no point during the event did any confrontation or embarrassment occur between His Majesty and Dr. Otuaro," the statement read. "The claim that King Ateke rejected monetary gifts or accused Dr. Otuaro of insincerity is baseless and a blatant distortion of facts.” He further warned that such falsehoods could damage reputations and derail ongoing peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta, urging the public to disregard the narrative entirely. King Ateke also called on journalists and commentators to verify their information before publication and avoid sensationalism that could undermine peace and unity. He encouraged all Niger Deltans to remain focused on the shared goal of regional progress and transformation.

6/4/2025, 9:49:24 PM

Auto Crash: IPF Supports Injured IWC Chair With Cash Donation

The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has paid a solidarity visit to Comrade Ebierebo Ande, the Western Zone Chairperson of the Ijaw Women’s Connect (IWC), who was recently involved in a serious auto crash. Comrade Ande is currently receiving treatment and recuperating at Capitol Hill Hospital along Airport Road in Effurun, Delta State. Leading the delegation on Thursday, IPF President Comrade Ozobo Austin presented a ₦100,000 donation to support her medical care. “As frontline Ijaw publishers, we felt the need to respond swiftly upon hearing of the accident,” Ozobo stated. “Her condition is critical, and it’s truly by God’s grace that she survived.” He called on other Ijaw sons and daughters, particularly those in a position to help, to support Comrade Ande in her time of need. “An injury to one is an injury to all. She urgently needs both financial support and prayers,” he said, also offering prayers for her speedy recovery during the visit.

6/4/2025, 5:16:21 PM

Ex~EFCC Boss, Bawa Makes Revelations On Fuel Subsidy Fraud

Abdulrasheed Bawa, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has shed light on how public funds were looted under the guise of fuel subsidy payments. In his newly released book, The Shadow of Loot & Losses: Uncovering Nigeria’s Petroleum Subsidy Fraud, Bawa details widespread corruption in the fuel subsidy regime, exposing how billions of naira were siphoned through fraudulent practices. Drawing from his firsthand experience as a lead investigator on the EFCC’s special task force that probed the 2012 subsidy scandal, Bawa reveals how companies claimed subsidies for fuel that was never imported or for shipments grossly inflated in volume. These manipulations led to excessive government payouts, forming the core of what he describes as one of Nigeria’s largest financial crimes. One prominent scheme involved the falsification of bills of lading, allowing fraudsters to exploit global price variations by altering shipping records to claim inflated subsidies. Other deceptive practices highlighted include ghost importing, round-tripping, double claims, product diversion, and fuel smuggling. Bawa, who served as EFCC Chairman from 2021 to 2023, attributes the success of these fraudulent operations to forged documents, lax regulatory enforcement, and deep-rooted collusion between corrupt government officials and private sector players. His account offers an insider's perspective into the multi-trillion-naira fraud that plagued Nigeria’s petroleum sector. “Single shipments were often used to obtain multiple subsidy payments. Subsidised fuel was frequently diverted to black markets or smuggled out of Nigeria for profit. “The Shadow of Loot And Losses is not just a chronicle of fraud; it is a call to action — a demand for transparency, accountability, and reform in Nigeria’s public finance management, especially in the oil sector,” he said.

6/4/2025, 2:07:41 PM

APC Wouldn’t Have Won In 2015 Under Current INEC Chairman~ Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has taken a swipe at the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, claiming that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would neither have been registered nor won the 2015 general elections if Yakubu had been in charge at the time. During an appearance on Arise TV on Tuesday night, Amaechi commended former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, for overseeing a transparent electoral process that facilitated the APC’s registration and subsequent victory in 2015. He said, “The current chairman of INEC, if he was the chairman of INEC in 2015, we would not have won. That’s an important point. May God bless (Attahiru) Jega. Because the ground rules were clear. The current chairman of INEC can only be compared to Iwu. “When we were to register APC, Jega opened the door and we complied with the registration requirements. He got APC registered. The current man, if you comply with all these, he would not register you.” He further alleged that INEC under Yakubu is already showing signs of bias. “Already, INEC is biased. So, the only thing I can tell you now is that, looking at the way Nigeria has run the election, even the Option A4 led us forward. At least a lot of transparency. You were sure of what was going on. Then we came back to meet people like Iwu and others and the current one and things got worse. “So, you don’t know whether to say we are progressing or we are regressing. There’s a state capture using the electoral institution as a machine.”

6/4/2025, 12:15:08 PM

Tinubu Has Already Done More Than All Presidents Before Him~ APC

Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s performance over the past two years has outshined that of his predecessors. Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, Morka noted that Tinubu’s policies are strategically designed to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges. “This President has done more than all the presidents before him. His direction of ordering our priorities, tackling some of the most acerbic challenges faced by the economy of our country, he has decided that he’s not about looking for cheap popularity, but doing those things that may momentarily seem unpopular but are decidedly crucial to a long term good health of our country’s economy,” he said. He said the continuous criticisms of President Tinubu’s administration by opposition politicians will not distract the President from achieving his goals for the country. “All of the hues and cries by members of the oppositions whether its Rotimi Amaechi or former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, or former Kaduna Governor, Malam El-Rufai don’t cut it. The President is focused on matters that guarantee the long term health of our country,” he said. He added that in spite of their criticisms, Tinubu’s critics know that the President is doing the right thing. According to him, this is the reason all the opposition figures have not been able to provide alternative policies that can address the country’s challenges. “What is funny is that all of these voices put together don’t even begin to speak to what they think this President should be doing different from what he’s doing. Not one of them has come with any kind of informed prescription of what the President should be doing,” Morka said.

6/4/2025, 12:09:01 PM

Nigeria Would Be Worse Without Prayers~ Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has cautioned Nigerians against underestimating the power of prayer in national matters. He stressed that without the continuous prayers of citizens, the country’s condition would be significantly worse. Speaking at the RCCG national headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, during a gathering with security and paramilitary personnel from across the country, Adeboye warned that the absence of intercessory prayers would bring about a frightening shift in Nigeria’s state. He added that if prayers for the nation stopped even for one week, Nigerians would clearly see their profound impact. “Some say, ‘You’ve been praying and fasting — where is the result?’ I laugh. If we had not prayed, Nigeria would have been in a far worse state. Let’s not stop. “There is a God who rules in the affairs of men. If those praying would pause for just one week, the difference would be terrifying. Keep praying. God controls the hearts of kings,” he said. Adeboye added that while God’s protective presence may not be physically visible, it is evident to those who trust Him. “Your security is only assured in Him. Whether in peace or war, young or old, the Almighty casts a shadow of protection over His own,” he said.

6/4/2025, 7:46:27 AM

Reps Raise Alarm As Audit Reveals Missing N250bn From Public Coffers

The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives has expressed alarm over the disappearance of more than N250 billion in public funds, as revealed in reports by the Auditor-General of the Federation. Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, Committee Chairman Bamidele Salam disclosed that the audit reports exposed the unaccounted funds across various government agencies. Salam pointed to a troubling rise in financial misconduct within public institutions, citing widespread instances of unauthorised virements and a steady increase in audit queries year after year. He further revealed that over 60 percent of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have persistently failed to adhere to financial regulations. He warned that this ongoing disregard for due process undermines public trust, hinders sustainable national development, and weakens the country’s democratic institutions.

6/4/2025, 7:40:04 AM

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