WAFFI TV | Feature

$220m Fine: Meta Threatens To Shut Down Instagram, Facebook In Nigeria

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has warned it may be forced to shut down Facebook and Instagram operations in Nigeria due to increasing regulatory pressure and what it calls “unrealistic” demands from the Nigerian government. The warning was revealed in a court filing obtained by the BBC. The company is currently battling a $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over alleged data privacy violations. The fine stems from a 38-month joint investigation carried out by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into Meta and WhatsApp’s data handling practices. Although a competition and consumer protection tribunal upheld the fine in a ruling on April 25, Meta plans to appeal. The court has given the company until the end of June to comply. In the court filing, Meta stated it might need to “effectively shut down the Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria” to avoid enforcement actions. Notably, WhatsApp was not mentioned in the document. According to the BBC, Meta’s chief grievance lies with the NDPC, which it accuses of misinterpreting Nigeria’s data protection laws. In addition to the FCCPC fine, the NDPC has levied a $32.8 million penalty on Meta, while the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has imposed a separate $37.5 million fine for allegedly unauthorised advertising content. Among the regulatory requirements is a mandate for Meta to seek prior approval before transferring Nigerian users’ data abroad, a condition the company views as impractical. The NDPC also ordered Meta to produce and feature educational content on data privacy risks through a special icon on its platforms. These materials must be co-created with accredited institutions and civil society groups, and must address manipulative and unfair data practices. Meta has pushed back, describing the directives as “unworkable” and accusing Nigerian regulators of misapplying their own laws. The FCCPC maintains the fines resulted from comprehensive investigations conducted from May 2021 to December 2023, in collaboration with the NDPC.

5/3/2025, 3:21:39 PM

Otuaro Congratulates Bosin Ebikeme On Board Chairman Appointment

Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, H.E. Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Esq., has extended warm congratulations to Chief (Barr.) Bosin Ebikeme on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority. In a congratulatory message on Saturday, Otuaro praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for appointing Ebikeme, describing it as a recognition of his years of selfless service, legal excellence, and commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta region. He expressed confidence that Ebikeme’s leadership will bring significant development and hope to the people of the region. Otuaro assured the newly appointed Chairman of continued support and prayers for a successful tenure. Otuaro said, "On behalf of my beloved family, trusted friends, and esteemed political associates, I, heartily congratulate Chief (Barr.) Bosin Ebikeme on his well-deserved appointment as Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. "This appointment is a clear recognition of your years of selfless service, legal brilliance, and deep commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region. It is a testament to your competence, integrity, and dedication to public good. "We are confident that your wealth of experience and visionary leadership will greatly advance the mandate of the Authority, bringing impactful development and renewed hope to our people. "As you take on this important national assignment, be assured of our prayers, unflinching support, and best wishes for a successful and impactful tenure.

5/3/2025, 2:16:23 PM

Reactions As Trump Posts Spoof Picture Of Self Dressed As Pope

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday shared a spoof image of himself dressed as the pope on his Truth Social platform, following a lighthearted remark about wanting to become the next Catholic pontiff. The image, seemingly AI-generated, shows Trump in white papal robes, a gold crucifix, and the traditional miter hat, with his right index finger pointed skyward. His post comes just days before cardinals begin the conclave to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. Asked who he would like to succeed Pope Francis, Trump said: “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice.” Trump went on to say that he did not have a preference but said there was a cardinal in New York who was “very good.” He seemed to be alluding to New York’s Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a staunch theological conservative and vocal opponent of abortion. Trump attended Pope Francis' funeral last week, marking his first international trip since returning to office. Roughly 20 percent of Americans identify as Catholic, and exit polls from November showed that about 60 percent of them supported Trump. Pope Francis had been widely regarded as one of the most influential moral critics of Trump on the global stage.

5/3/2025, 1:13:16 PM

Walkout On Tinubu’s Wife Won’t Grant You Reprieve~ Wike Tells Fubara

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the walkout staged on Friday against First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu by a group of women he alleged are supporters of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Calling the incident an embarrassment to the people of Rivers State, Wike, through a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, offered an apology to both the First Lady and President Bola Tinubu on behalf of the state. He said, “Insult on anyone representing the First Lady of Nigeria in an event is a direct insult on the office of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and as a leader in Rivers State, I apologise.” According to Olayinka, some women, led by some sacked Local Government Vice Chairmen, had staged a walkout during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme organised by the office of the First Lady of Nigeria, held at the EUI Event Centre in GRA, Port Harcourt on Friday. The FCT Minister, who is in China on official engagements, described the incident as “very disturbing and embarrassing,” cautioning supporters of the suspended governor to desist from ridiculing the state. Wike counselled the suspended governor to demonstrate honesty by being bold enough to tell President Tinubu what exactly he wanted, rather than saying something today and doing another thing tomorrow. He said, “It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace. Those who genuinely want peace work and act for it. “These are the same people pleading for peace, but at the same time doing things that are contrary to what they are pleading for. “How can you say you want peace and at the same time, you are sponsoring people to insult everyone, including the president and his wife? “How can you say you want peace and at the same time, you are sponsoring people to insult everyone, including the president and his wife? “All those shenanigans won’t bring peace, and I am sure they know that, because they are not sincere with their up and down pleadings for peace. “As for me and those who subscribe to my leadership, we condemn in totality that yesterday’s show of shame and we apologise to our First Lady for the embarrassing conduct of those few women who do not represent the characters and ideals of the people of Rivers State.”

5/3/2025, 1:08:44 PM

Call Your Family To Order, Nigeria Not Private Estate~ Atiku Tells Tinubu

Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in his family members. Atiku specifically accused the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, of aggressively seeking political loyalty for his father by any means necessary. His reaction follows claims by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Isah, who alleged that Seyi was involved in acts of physical assault, abduction, and inducement. In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the allegations as deeply troubling, saying they threaten democratic values and civil liberties. He noted that such serious accusations against a member of the First Family are both worrisome and potentially dangerous. The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must urgently rein in his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, who appears determined to purchase political loyalty for his father by any means necessary, including coercion, violence, and intimidation. “Had this incident ended fatally, it would have been recorded among the growing list of atrocities committed by criminal elements in the country. That it is allegedly tied to the President’s own son makes it even more horrifying. “What’s worse is the emerging suggestion that even top security officials are not beyond Seyi Tinubu’s overreaching influence — an unacceptable compromise of state institutions.” Atiku accused Tinubu’s family of trying to subjugate NANS or any civil society group via “threats, bribe, or brute force.” The former Vice President urged imminent Nigerians to speak up against the activities of Tinubu’s family. “Well-meaning Nigerians must rise to speak out,” adding that “We must remind them that the presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance.”

5/3/2025, 8:36:21 AM

$3bn Refinery: N80bn Found In Sacked MD’s Bank Accounts

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the recently dismissed managing directors and several senior officials of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company. Their arrest follows allegations of misappropriation of $2.96 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the three state-owned refineries. According to investigations by Saturday PUNCH, the EFCC is probing $1.56 billion allocated to the Port Harcourt refinery, $740.67 million to Kaduna, and $656.96 million to Warri. Former Port Harcourt Refining Company MD, Mr. Ibrahim Onoja, and former Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company MD, Efifia Chu, are among those detained. A credible source within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) disclosed that N80 billion was discovered in the bank account of one of the ousted MDs. Meanwhile, stakeholders in the oil and gas sector have strongly criticized the NNPCL for misleading Nigerians about the status of the refineries, especially the Port Harcourt and Warri plants, which resumed operations in November and December 2024 after decades of dormancy. Despite the much-publicized restart, the Port Harcourt refinery has been functioning at less than 40% capacity, while the Warri refinery was shut down again within a month over safety concerns. Earlier, the new NNPCL management had sacked the managing directors of all three refineries. Other senior officials, including Bala Wunti, the former head of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (a subsidiary of NNPCL), were also relieved of their duties. Many others nearing retirement were asked to leave early. A senior EFCC official, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the arrests are part of an extensive investigation into the massive funds released for the urgent overhaul of the refineries. “We are investigating the money that was released for the rehabilitation of all three refineries—money disbursed in recent times. All the principal officers within that time frame are being invited. “Some have been arrested already, and we are still on the lookout for others. Nigerians are interested in seeing our refineries work. We are asking: where is the money, and what has happened to the refineries?” the official said. The source added that the investigation was far-reaching, covering all key actors involved in the management of the refineries during the period in question. The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report. Earlier, sources at the NNPCL told PUNCH that one of the sacked MDs had been with the EFCC for about a week. “Large amounts have been discovered in his accounts. About N80bn has so far been discovered in his various accounts. The way things are going, it may be bigger than Emefielegate,” the official, who spoke in confidence due to the nature of the probe, stated. Another official stated, “All the three of them are being investigated by the EFCC. It is indeed sad!”

5/3/2025, 8:14:08 AM

Rivers Women Walk Out On Ibas’ Wife, Chant ‘We Want Fubara’

Hundreds of women in Rivers State staged a walkout on Friday during an empowerment programme in Port Harcourt, insisting they be addressed by either the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, or the state governor’s wife, Lady Valerie Sim-Fubara. The event, hosted at the EUI Event Centre in GRA, Port Harcourt, was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative organised by the First Lady’s office and aimed at empowering 500 women with various support items. Dressed in traditional double wrappers, the women had gathered in anticipation of the First Lady’s presence. However, tensions flared when Dr Theresa Ibas, wife of the State Sole Administrator, was presented to speak on Tinubu’s behalf. The women began chanting, “We want SIM!” and “We want Valerie Fubara!” in reference to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his wife, whom they identified as the legitimate First Lady of the state. They added, “We don’t know Ibas. Tinunu is our President, and our governor is Sim Fubara.” Speaking to newsmen, one of the women said, “We were told the First Lady of Nigeria would be here. If not her, then the wife of our governor, Lady Valerie Sim-Fubara, should speak to us. “Not someone representing someone who doesn’t represent us.” Another protester, Favour Ekpeye, clarified that the women’s action was not a rejection of the President’s wife but rather a protest against the substitution. She explained that they staged a walkout because they were expecting the wife of the President to address them and not the wife of the sole administrator. Ekpeye stated, “The propaganda that we rejected the wife of the president is not true. “We were told to come and welcome Her Excellency Senator Remi Tinubu, and we dressed up. See me with my double wrapper. “We were so happy to welcome Her Excellency because we appreciate her good deeds to us with the empowerment programmes. She added, “We have a President that we support and we have our mummy of the nation that we support for empowering women in the nation that we so love that we support.” Efforts by the organisers to pacify the agitated crowd were unsuccessful, as the women continued chanting and gradually exited the venue. “So we stood up and left because Rivers women, we are not fragile. We have a governor that we love, and we support our governor.”

5/2/2025, 6:48:50 PM

BREAKING: Federal Colleges of Education To Now Award Bachelor’s Degrees

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially begun implementing the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education, following the passage of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023. In a statement released by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the new law—signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—authorizes Federal Colleges of Education to simultaneously award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education. This development marks a major milestone in the reform of Nigeria’s teacher education system. Speaking at the policy launch in Abuja, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa described the move as both bold and forward-thinking. “The Dual Mandate Policy represents not just a reform but a revolution in teacher preparation — enabling FCOEs to offer both NCE and Bachelor’s degrees. This initiative empowers institutions, broadens access, and enhances the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria.” Under the provisions of the Act, all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) that meet the standards set by the National Universities Commission are now eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate. This inclusive approach allows any institution, regardless of when it was established, to participate as long as it meets the required criteria. The Minister highlighted the policy’s transformative potential, stating that enabling FCOEs to offer degree programs will enhance educators’ skills and better prepare them for the dynamic needs of the education sector. It also broadens access to higher education by offering an alternative path to earning Education degrees outside the traditional university framework. The Dual Mandate policy aims to tackle several challenges at once—reversing declining enrolment, maintaining institutional relevance, and removing the dependency on university affiliations for degree issuance. Additionally, it empowers FCOEs with greater autonomy in designing and implementing curricula, allowing them to adapt more quickly to evolving trends and demands in the teaching profession.

5/2/2025, 1:55:03 PM

Otuaro Mourns General Omu, Hails His Legacy Of Service

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, H.E. Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Esq., has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu (Rtd), describing him as a patriotic leader who dedicated his life to Nigeria’s unity and progress. In a solemn condolence message signed on Friday, Otuaro paid tribute to the late General, calling him a “highly respected elder statesman” and “one of Nigeria’s finest patriots.” He hailed General Omu’s legacy of courage, integrity, and service, from his days in the Nigerian Army and role in the Supreme Military Council, to his leadership as Military Governor of the South-Eastern State and Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council. He said, "I received with a heart of solemn reflection the news of the passing of our highly respected elder statesman and retired military officer, Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu (Rtd)—a distinguished son of Isoko Nation and one of Nigeria's finest patriots. General Omu lived a life marked by courage, integrity, and uncommon dedication to the unity and progress of Nigeria. From his sterling career in the Nigerian Army—rising to become a member of the Supreme Military Council during the military regime of General Murtala Mohammed—to his contributions as Military Governor of the then South-Eastern State (now Cross River and Akwa Ibom), and later as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council, General Omu served this nation with distinction and honour. His voice of wisdom and advocacy for peace and development in the Niger Delta region will be greatly missed. A pillar in the Isoko Nation, his leadership and statesmanship earned him respect across ethnic, regional, and political divides. On behalf of my family and associates, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Omu family, the Isoko Development Union (IDU), the people of Isoko Nation, and indeed Delta State on this great transition. May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him with the blessed hope of life beyond.

5/2/2025, 12:32:05 PM

FBI, DEA Request 90 Days To Release Tinubu’s Records

In a surprising development, the anticipated release of records by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) concerning an alleged drug investigation involving President Bola Tinubu has been delayed. Initially, Judge Beryl Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia had ordered the agencies to release the documents by May 2, 2025. However, on Thursday, May 1, the FBI and DEA filed a joint status report requesting a 90-day extension. The case originated from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed in June 2023 by U.S. transparency advocate Aaron Greenspan. The suit sought access to investigative records from multiple federal agencies related to a 1990s drug trafficking and money laundering case in Chicago, allegedly linked to Tinubu and others. Court filings show Greenspan submitted 12 separate FOIA requests between 2022 and 2023, targeting the FBI, DEA, IRS, Department of State, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in Indiana and Illinois, and the CIA. The requests focused on four individuals: Bola Tinubu, Mueez Akande, Lee Andrew Edwards, and Abiodun Agbele—allegedly connected to the drug ring. The report reads, “Aaron Greenspan (“Plaintiff”) and Defendants Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the only remaining defendants in this case, respectfully submit the following joint status report proposing a schedule to govern further proceedings, pursuant to the Court’s Order of April 8, 2025 (ECF №47). “Pursuant to the court’s order, the defendants, FBI and DEA must search for and produce non-exempt records responsive to the plaintiff’s FOIA requests (FBI Requests Nos. 1588244–000 and 1593615- 000, and DEA Request Nos. 22–00892-F and 24–00201-F). “The FBI and DEA have initiated their searches for responsive, non-exempt, reasonably segregable portions of records requested by the plaintiff and anticipate completing their searches in ninety days.” But the request did not go down well with Greenspan as the activist proposed a much shorter deadline, arguing that the agencies had already delayed the process for years. “Given the years-long delay already caused by the defendants and the fact that many responsive documents have already been identified, the plaintiff proposes that the FBI and DEA complete their searches and productions by next week, or, at the very least, produce unredacted versions of the already-identified documents by next week, with the remainder completed in 14 days. The defendants provide no rationale for why their search for documents should take 90 days. “The FBI and DEA have initiated their searches for responsive, non-exempt, reasonably segregable portions of records requested by the plaintiff and anticipate completing their searches in ninety days,” Greenspan said.

5/2/2025, 11:20:59 AM

Subscribe to our newsletter

advertisement