WAFFI TV | Feature

Trump May Shut Down US Embassies In Africa~ Report

The Donald Trump administration is considering closing nearly 30 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, including several across Africa, as part of a broad effort to scale back America’s diplomatic footprint. According to a CNN report on Wednesday, which cites an internal U.S. State Department document, proposed closures include embassies in the Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Lesotho, and South Sudan. A U.S. consulate in South Africa is also reportedly on the list for possible shutdown. “The document recommends closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates. Many of the posts are in Europe and Africa, though they also include locations in Asia and the Caribbean. These include embassies in Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan. “The list also includes five consulates in France, two in Germany, two in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one in the United Kingdom, one in South Africa, and one in South Korea,” the report stated. The proposal is part of a wider initiative by the Trump administration—reportedly shaped by the Elon Musk-supported Department of Government Efficiency—to significantly cut the size and spending of federal agencies, including the State Department. The internal document also recommends scaling back the U.S. presence in countries like Somalia and Iraq, both key to America’s counterterrorism operations. There is no official confirmation yet that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has endorsed the plan, and a State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the leaked document.

4/17/2025, 3:29:55 PM

Boy Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Freed After Three Months In Detention

Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old who gained attention during the 2023 presidential election for standing in front of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has been released after spending nearly three months at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos. His discharge came on Thursday after a Magistrate Court in Apapa acted on legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, which found no evidence to support the armed robbery charge against him. “We are excited to announce that Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old teenager who gained fame during the 2023 elections after he spontaneously jumped and stood in front of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has been freed by the court today, 17th April, 2025,” his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, announced in a post on X on Thursday. Effiong described his arrest and detention as a “diabolical frame-up” allegedly orchestrated by local thugs known in the Amukoko area as Lege and Baba Waris. The two reportedly abducted Alabi near his home and handed him over to the police, accusing him of being involved in a street fight. According to Effiong, the boy had faced threats from the said individuals since 2023 over donations he received from supporters of Obi. Alabi’s family was also reportedly pressured by local leaders to appease the community by buying a cow and hosting a feast. Effiong stated, “At the Court today, the presiding Magistrate, His Honour, A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.), confirmed that the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), of the Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Dr. Babajide Martins showed that there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation of armed robbery against Quadri. “In his Legal Advice, the DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Quadri. Thus, the presiding Magistrate discharged him and he was accordingly freed. “We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter.” Effiong stated that although the case was initially presented as a street fight, the police went on to arraign Alabi on January 26 for alleged armed robbery. He added that Alabi was detained alongside four adult strangers with whom he had no ties, and his age was incorrectly recorded as 18. The case gained public attention earlier this month after being spotlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach. Following the court’s decision, Effiong called for disciplinary measures against the Divisional Police Officer of the Amukoko Police Station, the Investigating Police Officer, and others involved in the case. He also demanded a N100 million compensation and a public apology from the police. “Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

4/17/2025, 1:29:24 PM

I Never Summoned Fubara, Deputy~ Ibas

Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has refuted claims that he summoned suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, for questioning. The widely shared reports on social media were dismissed by the state government as “false and misleading.” In an official statement released on Wednesday by Dede Friday, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Ibas labelled the reports as “fraudulent announcements” intended to stir unrest. “The Rivers State Government has become aware of fraudulent announcements circulating on social media, falsely attributed to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. “These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State. “One such false report claimed that Governor Fubara and his deputy had been summoned to the Government House to explain certain appointments and other state matters,” the statement read. “The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source. “The public is urged to disregard this and any similar misinformation, as they are the work of troublemakers seeking to destabilise the state,” the statement added.

4/17/2025, 7:29:57 AM

Tinubu Unveils National Census Committee

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a committee to oversee preparations for the upcoming national population and housing census. According to a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the committee is expected to present an interim report within three weeks. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the inauguration ceremony held at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the importance of the census for national development, precise planning, and informed decision-making in sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and the economy. He highlighted the need for a technology-driven approach to ensure credible and verifiable results, while also calling for strong collaboration among relevant agencies and stakeholders. Addressing the issue of funding, the President encouraged committee members to explore both domestic and international sources of financing. “Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This ministry has to take charge of this because you cannot budget if you do not know how many of us there are. “We expect you will touch on the technology area because the census must be technology-driven. Things have changed since the last time that we conducted this exercise. The enumeration has to be technology-driven with biometrics and digitalisation,” he said. Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and chair of the Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census, assured the President that the committee would meet its three-week deadline for delivering the report. Bagudu recalled President Tinubu’s advice to ministers during their 2003 retreat, urging them to think creatively and work within available resources, even in challenging economic times. He pointed out that despite global economic difficulties, Nigeria is making steady progress under President Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting improvements in foreign exchange stability and a positive growth outlook. He added that the committee will propose practical solutions, including strategies for mobilizing both domestic and international resources to finance the census. Meanwhile, Minister of Information and committee member, Muhammed Idris, emphasized that accurate data is crucial for effective planning across all sectors, noting that a credible census is essential for providing such data.

4/16/2025, 5:44:25 PM

Otuaro At 57: Jude Sinebe Hails Ex Delta Deputy Gov For Peace, Devt

As former Delta State Deputy Governor, H.E. Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro Esq., marks his 57th birthday, Engr. Jude Sinebe, Ph.D., FNSE, has extended felicitations, celebrating the life and legacy of the respected leader. Sinebe, a former Deputy Chief of Staff at the Government House in Asaba, described Otuaro’s birthday as more than a personal milestone, calling it a celebration of a life dedicated to service, integrity, and Godly values. He said, “Today is a day of joy and celebration, as we join hands together to celebrate your birthday, H.E. Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro Esq. This day serves as a reminder of your past achievements, your present blessings, and your future plans". Sinebe further extolled Otuaro’s commitment to the service of humanity and his significant role in the development of Delta State. According to him, Otuaro’s legacy is written in the lives he has touched and the communities he has helped transform. “The world is a better place because of your selfless service to humanity. Your dedication and hard work have made a positive impact on the lives of countless people, and we are proud to call you one of our own.” Sinebe added.

4/16/2025, 5:36:59 PM

UK Supreme Court Declares Transgender Women Not Legally 'Woman'

The United Kingdom Supreme Court has ruled that transgender women, including those holding Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs), do not meet the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010. This landmark decision, delivered by five justices on Wednesday, could significantly impact longstanding advances in trans rights and has intensified calls to revise the Equality Act. The case emerged from a legal challenge by For Women Scotland (FWS), a gender-critical campaign group. Supported by author J.K. Rowling and advocacy organisation Sex Matters, FWS contended that the term "woman" in the Equality Act should be interpreted based on biological sex rather than gender identity or legal documents. The Scottish Government, aligning itself with trans rights supporters, argued that the Gender Recognition Act 2004—granting legal recognition of a person’s acquired gender via a GRC—should extend to protections under the Equality Act. However, the Supreme Court disagreed, citing “practical problems” in treating trans women as women under the law. According to the justices, the terms “sex,” “man,” and “woman” in the Equality Act refer strictly to biological sex. Any other interpretation, they said, would render the law inconsistent and unworkable. The court noted that redefining these terms could undermine protections for pregnant women and create confusion over legal provisions intended for single-sex spaces. Lord Hodge remarked that equating “certificated sex” with legal sex would disrupt the definitions central to the Equality Act and weaken protections for sex-based rights, including those related to sexual orientation and single-sex spaces. The ruling also warned of broader complications in areas such as women’s sports, single-sex associations, public sector equality duties, and military service. In response, the UK Government welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, calling it a much-needed clarification of the law. “We have always supported the protection of single sex spaces based on biological sex,” a spokesman said. “This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs. “Single sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this Government.”

4/16/2025, 2:53:34 PM

JAMB Raises Alarm Over Fraudulent Messages To UTME Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned of fraudulent and misleading messages being circulated to deceive candidates registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin said suspected fraudsters are behind the scheme, aiming to scam unsuspecting candidates. He explained that the criminals manipulated the UTME’s numeric code, 8863, combining it with JAMB’s official sort code, 55019, to fabricate a fake code resembling the board’s legitimate messaging platform. “Through this fraudulent scheme, they have been sending misleading messages to candidates, falsely claiming to detect manipulations in their JAMB details and urging them to contact certain individuals who will assist in resolving these fabricated issues. “We want to emphasize that these messages are not from JAMB. Security agencies have been notified and are actively tracking the perpetrators behind this scam. “Candidates are strongly advised to ignore such messages. This is a common tactic employed by fraudsters who seek to exploit the examination period to deceive and defraud innocent candidates,” he said. The examination body advised the public to stay alert and carefully evaluate any messages they receive. It emphasized that any communication not originating from its official channels or containing unusual language or instructions should be considered fraudulent.

4/16/2025, 2:36:58 PM

Delta South PDP Chair Amgbaduba Hails Otuaro’s Legacy On 57th Birthday

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Delta South Senatorial District, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba (JP), has extended birthday wishes to His Excellency, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Esq., on behalf of the PDP family in the district. In a statement on Wednesday, Chief Amgbaduba lauded the former Deputy Governor's dedication and contributions to the growth and strength of the party across Delta State. The PDP family praised Otuaro’s people-centered leadership, highlighting his enduring legacy of service and excellence. They prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and grace for him to continue supporting the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Part of the statement reads, "On behalf of the PDP family of the Delta South Senatorial District, we extend our warmest birthday greetings to you. We are profoundly grateful for your exceptional contributions to our party and the entire Delta State. "As Deputy Governor, you brought immense pride to Delta South and our state at large. Your steadfast commitment and invaluable support, both financially and otherwise, have significantly strengthened the PDP. Your leadership has always been characterized by a deep concern for the well-being of the people, and your legacy shines as a beacon of dedication and excellence. "On this special day, we pray that God continues to bless you with wisdom, strength, and grace. May you have the capacity and resolve to further support the PDP and the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Delta State. "We are confident that your remarkable influence will continue to elevate the party and drive progress for our people.

4/16/2025, 2:24:10 PM

Dimaro Progress Felicitates Otuaro On 57th Birthday

Dcn. Dimaro Progress, the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Community Enterprise Development, has felicitates with His Excellency, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, as he marks his 57th birthday today. In a warm birthday message, Dimaro extolled Otuaro’s sterling qualities and lauded his numerous accomplishments, particularly during his time as Deputy Governor of Delta State. He described Otuaro as a leader, a true son of the Niger Delta, and a symbol of peace and stability whose contributions continue to resonate across the region. According to Dimaro, Otuaro’s commitment to fostering unity and sustainable development in the Niger Delta has earned him the admiration of many and a place of honour in the the region’s leadership history. He emphasised that Otuaro's legacy is not only felt through infrastructural and economic initiatives but also through his role in advancing dialogue, conflict resolution, and grassroots empowerment. On behalf of his family, Dcn. Dimaro wished the Otuaro a joyous and memorable birthday celebration. He also offered prayers for God’s continued blessings upon Otuaro, asking for divine grace, good health, and many more years of impactful service to humanity and the nation at large.

4/16/2025, 11:13:50 AM

DSIEC Legal Chief Seimode Hails Otuaro On 57th Birthday

Barr. Friday Seimode, the Independent Electoral Commissioner in charge of Legal Services at the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), has extended birthday wishes to His Excellency, Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Esq., the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State. In a statement shared with Waffi TV on Wednesday, Seimode lauded Otuaro as a distinguished leader whose life and service have made “indelible marks on the sands of time.” He described the celebrant as a rare blend of legal intellect, spiritual depth, and professional excellence, highlighting his unwavering commitment to equity, peace, and development during his years in office. As Otuaro celebrates another milestone, Seimode joined well-wishers in praying for greater exploits, divine health, and renewed grace, while acknowledging his ongoing influence in public service and ministry. Seimode said, "On the occasion of your birthday, I write with great honour and admiration to celebrate a man whose life and leadership continue to leave indelible marks on the sands of time — His Excellency, Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Esq., immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State. "Sir, you are not only a statesman but a man of deep conviction, spiritual depth, and legal intellect. As a trained legal mind and a devout Christian, your life has been a rare blend of professional excellence and Godly service. Your years in office were not just defined by political accomplishment but by the principled path you charted in governance — one built on equity, peace, and development. "Your mentorship and guidance have touched lives across ethnic and professional lines. You have consistently demonstrated a sincere interest in the growth of others — nurturing potentials, encouraging purpose, and empowering those who serve under and around you. I am particularly inspired by the simplicity with which you carry great wisdom, and the calm strength you deploy even in the face of daunting challenges. "As you add another glorious year, I join your family, friends, and countless admirers in thanking God for your life. I pray that this new season will usher in greater exploits, divine health, and renewed grace. May heaven continually guide your steps as you navigate new phases of influence and impact — both in public service and in the vineyard of the Lord.

4/16/2025, 10:02:58 AM

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