A black Toyota Hilux belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, was stolen on Friday, April 12, 2025, while the vehicle’s occupant was attending Juma’at prayers in Abuja. The vehicle was parked around 1:05 p.m. opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10. The theft was discovered shortly after the ONSA official returned from the mosque and found the vehicle missing. The incident was promptly reported to the Garki Police Division around 2:00 p.m., triggering an immediate law enforcement response. Security agencies launched a citywide stop-and-search operation across checkpoints and strategic locations to recover the vehicle and apprehend the suspects. A security source, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the swift police response, stating: “As soon as the incident occurred, it was promptly reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m.” The FCT Police Command has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to recover the stolen vehicle and bring the perpetrators to justice. The theft, which took place in a busy area during a public gathering, has sparked renewed concerns about security in the capital. Authorities are urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior as the search continues.

The Delta South Senatorial Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Emman Amgbaduba, has joined countless well-wishers to celebrate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the occasion of his 54th birthday. In a goodwill message issued on Saturday on behalf of the PDP family in Delta South, Chief Amgbaduba extolled Tompolo’s leadership, vision, and dedication to the growth and advancement of the Niger Delta. Amgbaduba noted that over the years, Tompolo has demonstrated uncommon patriotism and selflessness, contributing significantly to peace-building, and youth empowerment in the region. He particularly highlighted Tompolo’s role through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, which has not only curbed oil theft and secured vital national assets but also provided thousands of job opportunities for Niger Delta youths. He further acknowledged Tompolo's tireless efforts in advancing the socio-economic interests of the Ijaw people and the broader Niger Delta, adding that his influence and impact remain deeply felt across the region. Chief Amgbaduba concluded his message with prayers for continued strength, wisdom, and divine protection for Tompolo, expressing hope that the years ahead will bring greater accomplishments and fulfillment in his service to humanity.

Barrister Friday Seimode, the Independent Electoral Commissioner in charge of Legal Services at the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), has issued a heartfelt tribute to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, on the occasion of his 54th birthday. In a statement shared with Waffi TV, Seimode praised Tompolo for his outstanding contributions to the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta region. He emphasised Tompolo’s role in the region's growth, noting how the renowned leader’s efforts have significantly impacted various aspects of the Niger Delta region. Furthermore, Seimode highlighted Tompolo's remarkable philanthropic endeavours, which have improved the lives of countless individuals in the region. His charitable initiatives have ranged from educational support to healthcare and poverty alleviation, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the region. Seimode prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Tompolo, expressing hope for his continued health, strength, and long life.

H.E. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, has extended a birthday message to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, praising his leadership and dedication to the people of the Niger Delta. In a statement released on behalf of the "Oporozawei House," on Saturday, Otuaro commended Tompolo not only for his leadership but for his sacrifices in the fight for justice, equity, and the liberation of the Niger Delta region. Otuaro highlighted Tompolo’s role as a strong voice for the Ijaw people, emphasising that his actions continue to inspire strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Otuaro further prayed for continued divine protection, strength, and wisdom for Tompolo, wishing him a long life, good health, and the strength to further his mission of justice and development in the region. Otuaro said, "On this special day, on behalf of the "Oporozawei House", I join the good people of the Niger Delta and well-meaning Nigerians across the globe to celebrate a rare gem, my brother — High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo. "You are not just a leader by title, but by sacrifice. You have consistently stood for justice, for equity, and for the liberation of our people in the Niger Delta. Your voice has been a shield, your actions a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ijaw spirit. "As you add another year, I thank God for preserving you. I pray that His wisdom, strength, and protection continue to abound in your life. May He bless you with long life, good health, and greater influence to keep championing the cause of justice and development for our land. "Today, we celebrate more than just your birthday — we celebrate your unwavering love for your people and your courage to always do what is right, no matter the cost.

The United States Embassy has announced new visa interview requirements for Nigerian applicants, starting April 22, 2025. In a statement issued on Friday, the US mission highlighted that all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must present a DS-160 form with a confirmation barcode beginning with "AA" followed by two zeros (00). This barcode must align with the one used to book the appointment online. Applicants whose barcode information does not match will be denied access to the Consular Section and disqualified from their interviews. “Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number (starting with AA and followed by 00 – two zeroes) that matches the one used to make their appointment online. You also must make your appointment in the location you selected when filling out your DS-160,” the statement read. To avoid issues, applicants are strongly advised to verify that their DS-160 barcode matches their appointment information at least two weeks before their interview date. The embassy also clarified that DS-160 forms from previous applications cannot be reused. In the event of a mismatch, applicants must log into their AVITS account at least 10 days before the interview and submit a correction request. “If your DS-160 barcode is incorrect, you must log into your AVITS account at least 10 days before your appointment to create a support ticket requesting correction of your barcode number,” the mission added. Moreover, appointments must be scheduled at the same location listed on the DS-160 form. Applicants who are denied entry due to barcode discrepancies will need to rectify the issue and book a new appointment. If the visa fee has expired, a new payment may be necessary. Since January 1, all applicants are also required to visit the US Consulate General in Lagos twice during the visa application process.

The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has extended heartfelt congratulations to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, on the occasion of his 54th birthday. In a statement released by the apex Ijaw media body, the forum lauded Tompolo’s leadership as Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, noting his pivotal contributions to enhancing national oil production and fortifying the security architecture in Nigeria. IPF celebrated his achievements and expressed wishes for continued success and prosperity. The group said, "Under Tompolo's leadership, Tantita Security Services has provided employment opportunities for many youths in the Niger Delta region, contributing to the reduction of youth restiveness and promoting economic growth in the country. In addition, the company has also been a key player in ensuring the safety and security of oil installations and pipelines, protecting the nation's resources and sources of revenue". IPF further commended Tompolo for his unwavering commitment to peacebuilding and regional development. His active involvement in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, they noted, has facilitated the rehabilitation and reintegration of thousands of former agitators, fostering lasting peace and stability in the region. “Tompolo's efforts have created a more secure and business-friendly environment in the Niger Delta,” the forum said. “His philanthropic initiatives—including the construction of schools, hospitals, and provision of scholarships—continue to positively impact lives across the region and beyond.” As the forum celebrates his milestone, they called on Tompolo to sustain his strides in promoting peace, security, and progress in the Niger Delta. They also urged the government to acknowledge and support individuals like Tompolo, whose efforts are instrumental to the region’s development. "Finally, we join in congratulating Tompolo on this milestone and pray that he continues to be a source of inspiration to many. We wish him good health, happiness, and success in all his endeavors. Happy 54th birthday, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo!", the statement added.

In a powerful birthday message, Hon. Spencer O. Okpoye, Commissioner representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has extolled High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, describing him as “a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity” for the Ijaw people. Speaking on behalf of the Ijaw oil-producing communities in Delta State, Hon. Okpoye praised Tompolo’s commitment to the liberation and development of the Ijaw nation. He lauded Tompolo’s sacrifices in championing the rights of oil-producing communities and for inspiring generations to uphold justice and cultural pride. Okoye said, "On behalf of the Ijaw oil-producing communities in Delta State, I, Hon. Spencer O. Okpoye, heartily join millions of admirers across the globe to celebrate a true icon of our time, a fearless defender of justice, and a shining beacon of the Ijaw struggle — High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) — on the occasion of his birthday. "Today, we do not only mark another year in your life, but we also celebrate the courage, wisdom, and unwavering commitment you have consistently shown toward the liberation and development of the Ijaw nation. You are more than a leader — you are a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity for our people. "Your sacrifices, especially in standing up for the rights and dignity of oil-producing communities, remain deeply appreciated and forever etched in the hearts of the Ijaw people. You have inspired generations to speak truth to power and to never lose sight of our collective identity and pride. "As you celebrate this special day, we pray that the Almighty continues to protect you, strengthen you, and grant you many more years of good health, peace, and fulfillment. May your days ahead be filled with greater accomplishments and divine grace.

The Ogbe-Ijoh (Ijaw) people of Warri South Local Government Area have voiced strong support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s ongoing delineation of electoral wards and polling units, following a Supreme Court ruling mandating a fairer electoral mapping in the area. At a press briefing held on Friday, Ijaw leaders responded to recent media protests by Itsekiri groups disputing the inclusion of Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South. The Ogbe-Ijoh representatives described the protests as misleading and historically inaccurate, citing legal records, intelligence reports, and official documents that affirm their rightful place within Warri South LGA. According to the Ijaw spokespersons, Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor (Ijaw Focal Person), Chief M. Keme and Comrade Moses Fiyebor, the issue of their exclusion and fragmentation into minority polling units had persisted since 1976, despite their recognition in earlier delineations, including four electoral wards in the 1955 Warri Urban District Council. These were Alder’s Town B3, Ogbe-Ijoh Wards C1 and C2, and Government Area F1. Read the full statement below: April 11, 2025 PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OGBE-IJOH PEOPLE ON THE PROPOSED FRESH DELINEATION OF ELECTORAL WARDS/POLLING UNITS IN WARRI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE BY THE INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT ON FRESH DELINEATION AND MATTERS THERETO Since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the 4th of April, 2025 released the report of its Fieldwork on the proposed delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, the Ogbe-Ijoh (Ijaw) people have noticed with keen interest series of protests by the Itseikiri and their allies in both print and electronic media including arguing that, the Ogbe-Ijoh (Ijaw) people are not part of Warri South Local Government. This press briefing is to clear this ignorance and set the records straight. It is important to note with specific reference to the Supreme Court ordered delineation that, the issue of whether the Ogbe-Ijoh (Ijaw) people are part of Warri South Local Government Area or not was raised at the INEC stakeholders meeting by the Itsekiris, reflected in the minutes of stakeholders meetings and it was dealt with by the stakeholders in the said meetings by resolving that from available intelligence reports, legal documents, physical communities on ground and existing electoral polling units, the Ogbe-Ijoh (Ijaw) people are integral part of Warri South Local Government, but denied electoral representation by not having homogenous electoral wards of their own, but balkanised into different polling units in different wards in Warri South LGA. The Itsekiris too admitted this fact. It was on this basis that, at the stakeholders meeting of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo held on 8th of July, 2024 at Government House Annex, Warri preparatory to starting the Fieldwork in Warri South LGA, a team of INEC Field Officers were assigned to the Ijaw areas in Warri South LGA, just as INEC Field Officers were assigned to the Itsekiri and Urhobo areas. Furthermore, the INEC field officers assigned to the Ijaw areas were the only ones who covered the Ijaw areas covered by the proposed Ewein, Bulouama, Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Urban and part of GRA wards of Warri South LGA. The INEC field officers assigned to Itsekiri and Urhobo areas did not and could not have covered these areas because they are indigenous Ijaw communities, where the Ijaws resides to the knowledge of all persons and authorities. These facts are known to the Itsekiri leaders and especially those who participated in the INEC fieldwork, but are not telling the public. For historical purposes and to educate younger Itsekiri people who do not know the founding history of Warri, Ogbe-Ijoh is recorded as the first settlement in the present Warri Urban along the Ogbe-Ijoh-Warri River (otherwise known as the Warri anchorage) in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. Indeed, the present Warri started from Ogbe-Ijoh. In 1955, when the first local administrative structure was established and electoral delineation done in Warri Urban, the Ogbe-Ijoh (Ijaw) people were included in the Warri Urban District Council together with a section of Urhobo and Itsekiri as defined by Western Region Laws of Nigeria No 177 of 1955. The said law created four autonomous electoral wards for the Ijaw people of Ogbe-Ijoh, which were– Alders town B3, Ogbe-Ijoh Ward C1, Ogbe-Ijoh Ward C2 and Government Area F1. This structure with elected Ogbe-Ijoh Councillors remained operational till sometime in 1976, when the Olusegun Obasanjo’s Military Government introduced local Government reforms giving birth to the present local Government structure. The defunct Warri Urban District Council is today known as the Warri South Local Government Council.  It is important to note that, before the introduction of Local Government administration, there were Seven (7) District Councils in the Warri area, including the Warri Urban District Council, which was only the Warri main City. But the Ode-Itsekiri District Council which was not part of the Warri Urban District Council was included to make up the present Warri South LGA. The introduction of Local Government Administration and the subsequent delineation of electoral wards in the area concerned led to the balkanization of the hitherto homogenous Ijaw fours in Warri South LGA into mere polling units in different wards mainly as minorities. The electoral wards that, the Ogbe-Ijoh people were balkanized into before the Supreme Court Ordered delineation of electoral wards were Pessu, GRA, Bowen and Okere wards. The Ogbe-Ijoh areas were balkanized into these electoral wards and thereby making them minorities and politically weak. Since the 1976 balkanization of our homogenous four electoral wards, we have always protested and made known to successive electoral bodies of the need to balance the lopsided electoral wards in Warri South Local Government without much success before a group of patriotic Ijaw men sought legal redress leading to the celebrated Supreme Court judgement in December 2nd, 2022.  It is these Ijaw areas previously delineated in 1955 as Alder's town B2, Ogbe-Ijoh C1, Ogbe-Ijoh C2 and Government area F1, that the INEC Field Officers assigned to the Ijaw areas visited and delineated as Bulou-Ama Ward 02, Ewein Ward 07 and Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Urban Ward 12 and the part of Ogbe-Ijoh areas in the GRA Ward 08. Hence, the delineation of electoral wards and polling units to cover the Ijaw areas in Warri Urban is not a new development, but has been in existence for decades even before those protesting were born. The recent exercise only seeks to correct an obvious injustice where the Ijaws in Warri South LGA are delineated into different polling units and denied representation in the Warri South LGA administration. We wish to state further that, contrary to the false impression been created by the Itsekiris, the Ijaw areas have always been separated from the Itsekiri areas in Warri Urban. It is for this reason that, the Chiefs Law of 1957, CAP 19, provides that, the authority of the Itsekiri monarch, the Olu of Warri excludes Ogbe-Ijoh Areas. The 1979 Bendel State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, B.S.L.N 44, described the Amaokosu of Ogbe-Ijoh as the prescribed authority of Ogbe-Ijoh lands and people in Warri metropolis. This meant that, all the lands of the Ijaw of Ogbe-Ijoh are excluded from claims by the Itsekiri people. Furthermore, the Delta State Traditional Rulers, Chiefs and Council Law, Vol. 3, now cap T3 Laws of Delta State, 2006 recognizes four Clans in Warri Metropolis: Itsekiri Kingdom, where the Olu is the prescribed authority, Okere-Urhobo Kingdom where the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo is the prescribed authority, Agbassa Kingdom where the Ovie of Agbarha is the prescribed authority and the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom where the Amaokosu of Ogbe-Ijoh is the prescribed authority of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom in Warri metropolis. The purpose of the above laws is to the effect that, the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom and their lands in Warri metropolis in Warri South Local Government Area are excluded from the claim of the Itsekiri people. This position has been confirmed by the Court of Appeal in Appeal No CA/AS/441/2016 in a judgement delivered on the 5th of June, 2023.   In conclusion, we commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for being able to commence the delineation process despite series of litigation against the Commission by the Itseikiri. We also commend the Commission in Warri South Local Government for being fair to all the ethnic nationalities and stakeholders. However, the Ogbe-Ijoh people state that, their areas should have been delineated into atleast five homogenous electoral wards. If the Ogbe-Ijoh people had four electoral wards as far back as 1955, it is only fair for the number to be increased decades after. We therefore call for the creation of more electoral wards for Ijaws in Warri Urban and a State constituency for us. and also urge the Independent National Electoral Commission to disregard frivolous protests against the delineation exercise in Warri South LGA by the Itsekiris. We wish to call on the INEC for creation of additional wards and state Constituency for the Ijaws of Warri South. This is predicated on the ground that the Itsekiris and Urhobos already have their own State Constituencies in the Warri South. Sign for Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom: Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor,  (Ijaw Focal Person) Chief M. Keme,  Comrade Moses Fiyebor.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu. This decision follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement jointly signed late Thursday by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and AGCPC Chairman Emeka Obegolu (SAN), the association explained that while Port Harcourt was initially welcomed with excitement as the host city, recent developments have rendered it unsuitable. The appointment of a sole administrator—reportedly a retired military officer adopting a command-style governance approach—has raised serious concerns about the city’s viability to host the event. The NBA added that its National Executive Council believes the emergency rule contravenes Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It further criticized the administrator’s leadership style, stating that although he appears in civilian clothing, his actions reflect a militaristic and undemocratic approach to governance. “The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of our Association was met with widespread enthusiasm. Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend. However, the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations for the Conference. “Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation. His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule. “The voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time. We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025. The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator. “The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It further noted that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution. The purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation,” the NBA said. The association added that, given the “undemocratic developments”, to hold its flagship event in such circumstances would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law. It announced that the conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu, the capital of Enugu State. “The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming position of NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact. “We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu. The city possesses the infrastructure and capacity to host a conference of our scale and significance. We are confident that, with concerted efforts, this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference. “We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep appreciation after being honoured with the Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize during an official ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. Announcing the recognition on Friday through his X page, Jonathan described the award as a tribute not only to himself but also to Nigerians and Africans devoted to peace and development. “I’m deeply grateful for the Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize presented to me today at a ceremony in Seoul, South Korea,” he wrote. He dedicated the prize to all Nigerians and Africans working tirelessly for peace and progress. “This honour belongs to every Nigerian who believes in the possibility of peace and to every African working for the progress and advancement of our continent,” he said. He also extended congratulations to fellow award recipients and acknowledged those who made the recognition possible. “I congratulate other awardees and thank the co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation, as well as my wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, for her love and support,” Jonathan added.