WAFFI TV | Feature

Delta Assembly To Tackle Insecurity With Community Security Corps Agency Bill

The Delta State Community Security Corps Agency (Amendment) Bill has successfully passed its second reading at the Delta State House of Assembly. Hon. Isaac Anwuzia, who represents Aniocha South Constituency and chairs the Assembly Committee on Peace and Security, is the lead sponsor of the bill. According to Anwuzia, the bill—backed by 27 other lawmakers—seeks to strengthen the agency’s capacity in tackling the growing security challenges across the state. He explained that the amendment also aims to enhance accountability in community policing and broaden the agency’s scope to ensure more efficient and effective collaboration with stakeholders, particularly at the grassroots. Highlighting the importance of security, Anwuzia told fellow legislators that no society can thrive without it, as insecurity hampers development and discourages investment. He stressed the urgent need to curb rising insecurity, calling for collective efforts to safeguard Delta State. Anwuzia added that the bill, once enacted, would provide appropriate remuneration for corps members, setting the minimum salary at the equivalent of Grade Level 5 in the state civil service. He further noted that the proposed legislation would include all 25 local government chairmen as members of the corps.

4/9/2025, 10:07:55 PM

FG Orders Federal Tertiary Institutions To Publicly Advertise Vacancies

The Federal Government, via the Federal Ministry of Education, has instructed all Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria to publicly announce any available job vacancies. This directive, aimed at promoting transparency and equity in the education sector, was issued by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. According to a press statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Minister said, “All Federal Tertiary Institutions that have been granted waivers to recruit staff are required to publish the available vacancies in at least one national daily newspaper, on their respective websites, and in other relevant academic and professional journals.” The Ministry said this move aims to ensure equal opportunity for all eligible Nigerians and curb opaque employment practices that have plagued the sector for years. “This directive aims to ensure a transparent, open, and competitive recruitment process that offers equal opportunity to all eligible Nigerians,” it added. The Ministry clarified that the waivers were granted to tertiary institutions based on their manpower requirements, following detailed submissions to the Ministry. The statement reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to building capacity across higher education institutions. In addition, institutions were reminded to submit their recruitment needs to the Committee on Waiver and Recruitment for proper review. The Ministry warned that sanctions would be imposed on any institution that fails to comply. “The Ministry has put in place adequate mechanisms to ensure compliance and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any institution that fails to adhere to this directive,” the statement noted. Folasade emphasized the Ministry’s stance, stating, “The Federal Ministry of Education remains firmly dedicated to promoting integrity and fairness in all matters related to the Nigerian higher education system.”

4/9/2025, 9:40:57 PM

Japa: US Says To Deny Visas, Green Cards Over Social Media Posts

U.S. immigration authorities announced Wednesday that they will now review social media accounts and deny visas or residency to individuals who share content the Trump administration deems anti-Semitic. This includes posts supporting groups the U.S. has designated as terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen's Huthi rebels. The policy follows the controversial revocation of student visas, despite the First Amendment's protection of free speech. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that those promoting anti-Semitic violence or terrorism under the guise of free speech will not be allowed entry into the U.S., according to department spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services “will consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting or supporting anti-Semitic terrorism, anti-Semitic terrorist organizations or other anti-Semitic activity as a negative factor” in determining benefits, the statement said. The policy will take effect immediately and apply to student visas and requests for permanent resident “green cards” to stay in the United States. Rubio stated that non-U.S. citizens do not possess the same rights as American citizens and asserted that the authority to grant or deny visas lies with him, not with the courts. Several individuals whose visas were revoked argue they never expressed anti-Jewish sentiments, with some claiming they were targeted simply for being present at protest sites. The most prominent deportation case involves Mahmoud Khalil, who led demonstrations at Columbia University in New York. Despite being a U.S. permanent resident, he was transferred to Louisiana in preparation for deportation proceedings.

4/9/2025, 4:51:21 PM

Nigeria Is Collapsing, Peter Obi Laments

The Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has voiced deep concern over the severe hardship Nigerians are enduring, warning that the nation is teetering on the brink of collapse. He made this statement on Wednesday while addressing party members at the ongoing National Executive Council meeting in Abuja. “Do not fear anybody. Those who were afraid yesterday didn’t do any better. “We must speak out when things are going wrong. Nigeria is collapsing. The numbers are clear; the indices are clear—people are getting poorer every day,” he said. He emphasised the need for unity and inclusion within the party, saying that, “Labour Party has chosen to be a family, and we must do everything as a family. It’s not about Peter Obi’s choice; it’s everyone’s choice. This family excludes no one. We want to build a party that is fair and just.” Looking ahead to future elections, Obi stated: “We want to go into the next election fully prepared, offering Nigerians the best and most competent candidates for the House of Representatives, the Senate, Governorships, and the Presidency.” He also stressed the importance of party loyalty and competence among aspirants: “We want to correct the mistakes we made in the past. Anyone seeking to contest under our party must be a committed member, not just someone passing through. They must be competent.”

4/9/2025, 4:44:20 PM

Niger Dumps French, Adopts Hausa As National Language

Niger’s military government has officially designated Hausa as the country’s new national language, signaling a break from its colonial-era reliance on French. The announcement was made in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal. According to the charter, “The national language is Hausa,” while English and French remain the “working languages.” Hausa is already the most widely spoken language in Niger, particularly in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. An estimated 26 million people live in Niger, with the majority fluent in Hausa. In contrast, only around 3 million—about 13 percent—speak French. The revised charter also recognizes nine additional local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as part of Niger’s linguistic landscape. This shift follows a national meeting held in February, during which the military government gained broader support. Junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani was granted approval to remain in power for another five years. Since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has taken steps to sever ties with France. These include expelling French troops, ending diplomatic relations, and renaming roads and buildings previously bearing French names. Niger’s move mirrors actions by fellow former French colonies Mali and Burkina Faso, both under military rule. They, too, have distanced themselves from French influence and have exited the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a French-speaking equivalent of the Commonwealth.

4/9/2025, 1:44:12 PM

Otuaro's Presence With APC Leaders Misunderstood~ Akemotubo

A photograph circulating online showing the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, H.E. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro, alongside leaders of the APC has sparked public speculation. However, his spokesman and Auditor, PDP, Delta State, Pst. Arex Akemotubo, has clarified the context. In his words, "It's normal for leaders across party lines to interact and engage on various national issues of mutual interest. "Such interactions are a testament to the maturity of our democracy and the spirit of collaboration that transcends party differences."

4/9/2025, 10:46:18 AM

PAP Distributes Laptops To Final Year, PG Students

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has kicked off the distribution of laptops to its scholarship beneficiaries in partnering universities, delivering on a promise made by its Administrator, High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro. In the first phase of the initiative, 64 final year and postgraduate students—25 from Nile University and 39 from Baze University—received brand new laptops during presentation ceremonies held on Friday and Monday. Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme in a statement on Monday, said that the beneficiaries include 60 final year undergraduates, one PhD candidate, and three Master’s students. Representatives of the PAP Administrator, including Ebikpolade Zorab and Ebimene Jackson, made the presentations at the respective institutions, urging students to utilize the devices to improve their academic outcomes. "You are the first set of PAP scholarship students receiving these laptops,” Otuaro stated. “With this tool, we expect better academic performance, especially in your final year projects and theses." The initiative is part of PAP’s broader commitment to human capital development and sustainable peace in the Niger Delta. Otuaro also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the PAP’s educational and empowerment efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Dr. Charles Ariye, PAP’s Head of Education, noted that no laptops had been distributed in the past six years, emphasizing the importance of digital tools in today’s academic environment. University officials, including David Olowola of Nile University and Professor Abiodun Adeniyi of Baze University, praised the PAP for the support, reaffirming their institutions' willingness to partner in building Nigeria’s future workforce. Student leaders and recipients, such as Eperetun Gboroteiye and Pedro Timotubo, thanked the PAP for the gesture, acknowledging that the laptops will greatly enhance their academic productivity.

4/9/2025, 7:24:59 AM

US Orders Migrants Who Used Biden~era App To Leave

Migrants who were temporarily allowed to stay in the United States under President Joe Biden's administration through the CBP One app have now been instructed to leave the country immediately, according to US media reports on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed to AFP that “formal termination notices” had been issued to certain individuals classified as “illegal aliens,” though no specifics were given on the selection criteria. “Formal termination notices have been issued, and those affected are being urged to self-deport using the CBP Home App,” the spokesperson said. “Those who fail to comply will be located, deported, and permanently barred from reentry.” Launched in January 2023, the CBP One app allowed migrants to schedule appointments at selected ports of entry along the US-Mexico border. It played a key role in the Biden administration’s humanitarian parole program. According to NPR, the new orders could impact over 930,000 migrants. President Donald Trump halted new entries through the CBP One app on his first day back in office, cutting off a digital gateway that had enabled migrants in Mexico to request appointments with US immigration officials. Upon taking office, Trump reiterated his campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented migrants, a theme that featured prominently in his re-election campaign. On the trail, Trump referred to migrants as “animals” and “monsters,” blaming them for violent crimes across the country. “Ending these paroles fulfills our commitment to secure the border and safeguard national security,” the DHS spokesperson added. The affected migrants were notified via email that DHS had exercised its discretionary authority under US law to cancel their parole. This move follows last month’s decision by the Trump administration to revoke the legal status of 532,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, giving them only weeks to leave the country.

4/9/2025, 8:19:03 AM

JUST IN: Ibas Appoints 23 Rivers LG Administrators Despite Court Order

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has approved the appointment of administrators for the state’s 23 Local Government Areas. This decision comes less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt reportedly issued an order restraining him from making such appointments. The interim injunction was granted on Tuesday by Justice Adam Muhammed in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by Courage Msirimovu, against Ibas in his official capacity. In addition to the LGA appointments, Ibas also approved the reconstitution of boards for agencies, commissions, and parastatals previously suspended. This was announced in a Special Government Announcement released Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. While the names of the new appointees were not disclosed, the statement confirmed that the appointments take immediate effect. It reads, “His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State. “He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. “All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.” It will be recalled that last week, the Sole Administrator suspended all heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Rivers State with immediate effect. In a related move, Vice Admiral Ibas also annulled all ongoing procurement and tender processes initiated by MDAs across the state. He explained that the decision was prompted by the recent Supreme Court judgment and the lack of an appropriation law during the period in question. According to an earlier statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, the Sole Administrator further directed all MDAs involved in such tender processes to promptly refund any fees collected from contractors.

4/9/2025, 8:09:40 AM

Court Bars Rivers Administrator, Ibas From Appointing LGA Coordinators

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has barred Rivers State sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, from appointing coordinators for the state’s 23 local government areas. Justice Adamu Mohammed issued the interim order following an ex parte application filed by the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative, a civil society organisation led by Courage Nsirimovu. Ibas is the sole respondent in the suit. Nsirimovu supported the application with a 14-paragraph affidavit, seeking to restrain the administrator, his agents, or anyone acting on his behalf from appointing individuals—under any title—to oversee the LGAs. The applicant's counsel, A.O. Imiete, moved the motion, after which the court granted the restraining order. The judge further directed the respondent to appear in court to justify why the interim injunction should not be upheld. The matter has been adjourned to April 14 for hearing.

4/9/2025, 8:02:31 AM

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